Proverb / Kotowaza
猫の手も借りたい
To be so extremely busy that one would welcome help from anyone, even a cat.
to want to borrow even a cat's paw
Quick Answer
To be so extremely busy that one would welcome help from anyone, even a cat.
- Literal Image
- to want to borrow even a cat's paw
- How to Use It
- Used when you are overwhelmed with tasks and desperately need more help. It is paired with 'hodo' (to the extent of) or 'kurai' to describe the level of busyness.
Meaning
This expression describes a state of intense busyness where there is a severe shortage of workers or hands to help. It emphasizes the desperation for assistance by suggesting that even the paws of a cat, which are not inherently useful for work, would be borrowed if possible.
Literal Image
to want to borrow even a cat's paw
How to Use It
Used when you are overwhelmed with tasks and desperately need more help. It is paired with 'hodo' (to the extent of) or 'kurai' to describe the level of busyness.
Tone
A standard expression can be used with a sense of exasperation or to emphasize a hectic situation.
Examples
年末の大掃除は猫の手も借りたいほどの忙しさだ。
The end-of-year big cleaning is so busy that I'd even borrow a cat's paw.
猫の手も借りたいほど忙しいのに、新しい仕事が舞い込んできた。
Even though I'm so busy I'd borrow a cat's paw, new work has arrived.
繁忙期には猫の手も借りたいくらいで、毎日残業続きだ。
During the peak season, it's like we'd borrow a cat's paw, and we're working overtime every day.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses basic vocabulary and simple grammar, but learners must understand the idiomatic use of 'cat's paw' to represent help.
猫
ねこ / neko
cat
手
て / te
hand; paw
借りたい
かりたい / karitai
want to borrow
Usage Profile
Usage note: The phrase is descriptive of one's own situation or a workplace; avoid using it to suggest someone is useless like a cat.
Misread Risk
Do not assume this refers to a cat's actual ability to help; the idiom relies on the idea that a cat's paw is not useful for human tasks.
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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.