Proverb / Kotowaza
縦横無尽
To act freely and actively in all directions without any restrictions.
Length and width without end.
Quick Answer
To act freely and actively in all directions without any restrictions.
- Literal Image
- Length and width without end.
- How to Use It
- Use to describe dynamic, unhindered action, such as an athlete covering the entire field, a professional excelling across multiple roles, or a lively, wide-ranging discussion.
Meaning
This four-character idiom describes moving, acting, or expressing oneself with complete freedom and boundless energy. It combines the ideas of 'all directions' (vertical and horizontal) and 'inexhaustible' limits. It portrays someone who is performing dynamically across a broad area or dominating a situation without being held back by constraints.
Literal Image
Length and width without end.
How to Use It
Use to describe dynamic, unhindered action, such as an athlete covering the entire field, a professional excelling across multiple roles, or a lively, wide-ranging discussion.
Tone
Positive and admiring.
Examples
縦横無尽にピッチを駆け回る彼のプレーに、観客は魅了された。
The spectators were fascinated by his play as he ran freely all over the pitch.
彼女は縦横無尽の活躍で、プロジェクトを成功に導いた。
With her boundless and unhindered efforts, she led the project to success.
広い知識を活かして縦横無尽に議論を展開した。
Leveraging broad knowledge, they freely expanded the discussion in all directions.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses basic kanji but forms a formal four-character idiom (yojijukugo) whose literal meaning conveys a conceptual abstraction.
縦横
じゅうおう / juuou
length and width; every direction
無尽
むじん / mujin
inexhaustible; endless
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Do not take it literally as traveling in physical directions; it represents a conceptual state of unrestrained freedom in actions or ideas.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The term is a four-character idiom combining 'juuou' (vertical and horizontal, representing all directions) and 'mujin' (inexhaustible). It literally describes a state of acting freely without any restrictions in any direction.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
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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.