Proverb / Kotowaza
瓜田に履を納れず
Do not act in a way that invites suspicion.
Do not put your shoes on in a melon patch.
Quick Answer
Do not act in a way that invites suspicion.
- Literal Image
- Do not put your shoes on in a melon patch.
- How to Use It
- Used to caution oneself or others to be mindful of how their actions might be perceived and to avoid behavior that could easily be misinterpreted.
Meaning
If you bend down to fix your shoes in a melon patch, others might suspect you of stealing melons. This proverb advises against putting yourself in situations or behaving in ways that could easily lead to misunderstandings or cause others to suspect you of wrongdoing, even if your intentions are entirely innocent.
Literal Image
Do not put your shoes on in a melon patch.
How to Use It
Used to caution oneself or others to be mindful of how their actions might be perceived and to avoid behavior that could easily be misinterpreted.
Tone
Cautionary
Examples
疑われるような行動は慎むべきだ。瓜田に履を納れずということわざもある。
You should refrain from actions that invite suspicion. There is a proverb that says, 'Do not put your shoes on in a melon patch.'
経理担当者は私的な買い物にも領収書をもらわない。瓜田に履を納れずの心がけだ。
The accountant does not ask for receipts even for private purchases. This is the mindset of 'not putting on shoes in a melon patch.'
瓜田に履を納れずで、紛らわしい場所での待ち合わせは避けた方がいい。
Following the principle of 'not putting on shoes in a melon patch,' it is better to avoid meeting at a confusing or suspicious place.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Features specific kanji and vocabulary like 瓜田 (melon patch) along with the classical negative verb ending 納れず.
瓜田
かでん / kaden
melon patch
履
くつ / kutsu
shoes; footwear
納れず
いれず / irezu
do not put on; do not put in (classical negative)
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this literally as agricultural advice; it is a metaphor for avoiding situations where innocent actions might look guilty.
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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.