Proverb / Kotowaza
苦しい時の神頼み
Turning to divine help only when in trouble, despite ignoring it at other times.
Praying to God only in times of distress
Quick Answer
Turning to divine help only when in trouble, despite ignoring it at other times.
- Literal Image
- Praying to God only in times of distress
- How to Use It
- Used to criticize someone's opportunistic attitude or to self-deprecatingly admit that one is only seeking help because they are desperate.
Meaning
This expression describes the selfish behavior of people who ignore spiritual or moral duties during good times, only to frantically seek help when facing a crisis. It serves as a reminder that sincere effort and consistency are more important than desperate, last-minute appeals.
Literal Image
Praying to God only in times of distress
How to Use It
Used to criticize someone's opportunistic attitude or to self-deprecatingly admit that one is only seeking help because they are desperate.
Tone
Carries a critical or humbling tone regarding human selfishness.
Examples
試験前に慌てて神社にお参りに行くなんて、まさに苦しい時の神頼みだ。
Rushing to a shrine to pray just before an exam is exactly what they mean by 'praying only in times of trouble.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary consists of simple words like 'kurushii' (painful/distress), 'toki' (time), and 'kami' (god), making the literal meaning easy to grasp.
苦しい
くるしい / kurushii
painful; distressing; difficult
神頼み
かみだのみ / kamidanomi
praying to God for help; calling on God
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
It is not a literal instruction to pray when in trouble, but rather a commentary on the selfishness of doing so only at that time.
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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.