Proverb / Kotowaza
鬼に金棒
A strong person or thing becomes even more powerful when provided with an additional advantage.
Giving an iron club to a demon
Quick Answer
A strong person or thing becomes even more powerful when provided with an additional advantage.
- Literal Image
- Giving an iron club to a demon
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a highly advantageous situation where someone with established skill or power gains something that makes them even harder to defeat.
Meaning
This expression describes the state of becoming invincible or significantly more effective. It uses the image of an 'oni' (demon or ogre), which is already physically powerful, being given a 'kanabo' (an iron club) to further increase its might. It refers to situations where an existing strength is supplemented by a new tool, partner, or asset.
Literal Image
Giving an iron club to a demon
How to Use It
Used to describe a highly advantageous situation where someone with established skill or power gains something that makes them even harder to defeat.
Tone
This expression carries a positive or neutral nuance and can be used to highlight a formidable combination.
Examples
優秀なエンジニアに最新の設備が加われば、鬼に金棒だ。
If a top-tier engineer gets the latest equipment, they will be unstoppable.
彼女の語学力にプレゼン力が加われば、まさに鬼に金棒だろう。
If her presentation skills are added to her language ability, she will be truly invincible.
鬼に金棒で、経験豊富な監督のもとに才能ある選手が集まった。
With an experienced manager and talented players, the team was like a demon with an iron club.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary for demon and iron club is relatively accessible, and the idiomatic meaning is straightforward.
鬼
おに / oni
demon, ogre
金棒
かなぼう / kanabo
iron club
無敵
むてき / muteki
invincible, matchless
Usage Profile
Usage note: It is intended for someone who is already strong; using it for someone weak might be misinterpreted.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe a weak person receiving minor help; the expression specifically requires the subject to be strong to begin with.
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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.