Proverb / Kotowaza
自家薬籠中の物
Something or someone that one can use freely and masterfully as if it were their own.
a thing in one's own medicine cabinet
Quick Answer
Something or someone that one can use freely and masterfully as if it were their own.
- Literal Image
- a thing in one's own medicine cabinet
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a technique that has been fully mastered, a tool that is perfectly controlled, or a trusted subordinate who acts exactly as directed.
Meaning
This expression refers to a skill, tool, or even a person that someone has completely mastered or can control at will. Just as medicine in one's own cabinet is always readily available for use, this phrase describes having something entirely at one's disposal.
Literal Image
a thing in one's own medicine cabinet
How to Use It
Used to describe a technique that has been fully mastered, a tool that is perfectly controlled, or a trusted subordinate who acts exactly as directed.
Tone
Has a formal or literary tone. Can be used positively for skills, but implies treating a person as a useful instrument when applied to subordinates.
Examples
長年の修練で、この技術はすっかり自家薬籠中の物となった。
Through years of training, this technique has completely become something at my disposal.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the rare literary word 'yakurou' (medicine box) and formal phrasing.
自家
じか / jika
one's own home, oneself
薬籠
やくろう / yakurou
medicine box
中の物
ちゅうのもの / chu no mono
thing inside
Usage Profile
Usage note: When applied to people, it implies treating them as tools or extensions of one's will.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to simply say you own an object; it implies complete mastery, control, or ready availability for strategic use.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
The word 'yakurou' refers to a medicine box. The expression comes from the idea that the medicine inside one's own medicine box can be used freely whenever needed. It describes a state where one can use one's tools or subordinates exactly as one wishes.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
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.