Proverb / Kotowaza
飼い犬に手を噛まれる
To be unexpectedly betrayed or harmed by a subordinate or someone you have nurtured and treated with care.
To have one's hand bitten by one's own pet dog
Quick Answer
To be unexpectedly betrayed or harmed by a subordinate or someone you have nurtured and treated with care.
- Literal Image
- To have one's hand bitten by one's own pet dog
- Closest Equivalent
- He has brought up a bird to pick out his own eyes
- How to Use It
- Used when a trusted subordinate, assistant, or someone you have mentored commits an act of betrayal or causes you harm.
Meaning
This expression uses the metaphor of a pet dog—which is expected to be loyal and grateful—biting the hand of the owner who feeds and protects it. It describes a situation where a protégé, junior colleague, or person you have supported for a long time turns against you. It emphasizes the deep sense of shock and disappointment that comes from being harmed by someone you trusted.
Literal Image
To have one's hand bitten by one's own pet dog
Equivalent Proverbs
He has brought up a bird to pick out his own eyes
Matches the image of nurturing something that eventually causes harm.
One who plays with edged tools will cut himself
Suggests that one's own choices or associations can lead to personal injury.
How to Use It
Used when a trusted subordinate, assistant, or someone you have mentored commits an act of betrayal or causes you harm.
Tone
Carries a strong nuance of betrayal and emotional shock; it is used from the perspective of the person who was wronged.
Examples
長年面倒を見てきた後輩に裏切られるとは、飼い犬に手を噛まれる思いだ。
To be betrayed by a junior I've looked after for years feels like having my hand bitten by my own dog.
信頼していた部下が機密情報を漏らした。飼い犬に手を噛まれたとはこのことだ。
A trusted subordinate leaked confidential information. This is exactly what it means to have your hand bitten by your own dog.
恩を仇で返されるとは、まさに飼い犬に手を噛まれるだ。
To have a favor returned with malice is truly like having your hand bitten by your own dog.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the vocabulary for 'dog' and 'hand' is simple, the passive verb 'kamareru' and the idiomatic context of workplace or social betrayal align with N2-level usage.
飼い犬
かいいぬ / kaiinu
pet dog; dog that one keeps
手
て / te
hand
噛まれる
かまれる / kamareru
to be bitten (passive form of kamu)
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a serious accusation of betrayal; use it only when someone has truly violated a bond of trust and mentorship.
Misread Risk
Do not use this for an actual dog bite. It is strictly an idiom for human betrayal by a protégé or subordinate.
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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.