Proverb / Kotowaza
一将功成りて万骨枯る
A leader's glorious success is built upon the hidden sacrifices of many subordinates.
One general achieves success, and ten thousand bones wither.
Quick Answer
A leader's glorious success is built upon the hidden sacrifices of many subordinates.
- Literal Image
- One general achieves success, and ten thousand bones wither.
- Closest Equivalent
- The success of one is built on the sacrifice of many.
- How to Use It
- Used to describe or criticize situations where a leader takes all the credit for a success that was achieved through the immense effort or sacrifice of their subordinates.
Meaning
This proverb highlights that behind the brilliant achievements of a single commander, there are countless unseen casualties who perished on the battlefield. It serves as a reminder that glory should not be claimed solely by the leader. The expression is used to criticize situations where those at the top receive all the credit while the rank-and-file endure the hardship and sacrifice.
Literal Image
One general achieves success, and ten thousand bones wither.
Equivalent Proverbs
The success of one is built on the sacrifice of many.
A direct translation of the core lesson provided in the source.
How to Use It
Used to describe or criticize situations where a leader takes all the credit for a success that was achieved through the immense effort or sacrifice of their subordinates.
Tone
Critical and reflective.
Examples
社長が表彰される陰で、多くの社員が犠牲になった。一将功成りて万骨枯るだ。
While the president was commended, many employees made sacrifices. It's a case of one general achieving success while ten thousand bones wither.
英雄の栄光の裏には無数の犠牲がある。一将功成りて万骨枯るとはこのことだ。
Behind a hero's glory are countless sacrifices. This is exactly what 'one general achieves success and ten thousand bones wither' means.
一将功成りて万骨枯るような組織にはしたくない。全員が報われる仕組みを作ろう。
I don't want an organization where one general achieves success while ten thousand bones wither. Let's create a system where everyone is rewarded.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Features specialized vocabulary like 'bankotsu' (ten thousand bones) and literary grammatical forms like 'narite' and 'karu'.
一将
いっしょう / issho
one general
功
こう / ko
success, merit, achievement
成りて
なりて / narite
to be accomplished and (literary form of naru)
万骨
ばんこつ / bankotsu
ten thousand bones (countless lives)
枯る
かる / karu
to wither, to die (literary form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: Avoid using this simply to praise a hard-won victory; it specifically carries a critical tone regarding the unequal distribution of credit versus sacrifice.
Misread Risk
Do not read it as a literal statement about bones; it is a metaphor for the unseen sacrifices of the rank-and-file.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.