Proverb / Kotowaza
身から出た錆
To suffer the negative consequences of one's own past actions.
rust that comes from the blade (of one's own sword)
Quick Answer
To suffer the negative consequences of one's own past actions.
- Literal Image
- rust that comes from the blade (of one's own sword)
- How to Use It
- It is used when pointing out that a setback, such as losing trust, falling ill due to poor habits, or losing a friend, is entirely one's own fault. It carries a sense of stern realization or criticism that the outcome was inevitable given the person's history.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where a person's current misfortune or trouble is a direct result of their own previous bad behavior, lack of care, or mistakes. Just as rust eventually eats away at the iron blade it formed upon, one's own errors or moral failings eventually come back to cause self-inflicted harm.
Literal Image
rust that comes from the blade (of one's own sword)
How to Use It
It is used when pointing out that a setback, such as losing trust, falling ill due to poor habits, or losing a friend, is entirely one's own fault. It carries a sense of stern realization or criticism that the outcome was inevitable given the person's history.
Tone
Critical and moralizing. It is used to assign responsibility rather than to offer sympathy.
Examples
嘘を重ねた結果、信用を失った。身から出た錆だ。
I lost everyone's trust after telling one lie after another. It’s my own fault; I'm just suffering the consequences of my actions.
不摂生がたたって体を壊すのは身から出た錆というものだ。
Ruining your health through a poor lifestyle is simply a case of your own actions coming back to haunt you.
約束を何度も破れば友人を失う。身から出た錆と言わざるを得ない。
If you break your promises time and again, you will lose your friends. I can only say it's a result of your own behavior.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the vocabulary for 'body' and 'rust' is simple, the metaphorical use of 'mi' to refer to a sword blade and the idiomatic structure require intermediate understanding.
身
み / mi
body; self (here referring to a sword blade)
出る
でる / deru
to emerge; to come out
錆
さび / sabi
rust
Usage Profile
Usage note: Using this toward someone who is suffering can sound very harsh, as it implies their pain is entirely self-inflicted and deserved.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe natural disasters or accidents that were truly outside of a person's control; it must be tied to the person's own bad conduct.
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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.