Japanese Proverbs to Explain an Unexpected Outcome

A scene of extreme suffering where people cry out in agony and desperation.

Whether people get along with one another or not is all due to a mysterious fate.

Receiving unexpected good fortune or profit without making any effort.

A metaphor for a result that is disappointing and falls short of one's high expectations.

The autumn sun sets extremely quickly, as if a bucket were falling straight down into a well.

Good things can unexpectedly be found in what others have left behind or passed over.

To suffer the secondary damage or negative aftermath of an event or someone else's actions.

An unnaturally calm state that precedes a major event or upheaval.

An unexpected event occurs suddenly in a familiar place, or one suddenly decides to take action.

Refers to an insider, such as a family member or employee, who steals or embezzles from within.

Fortune-telling is a matter of chance, being sometimes right and sometimes wrong.

A person who arrives later or starts later sometimes overtakes those who were ahead of them.

A metaphor for when many happy events or very busy tasks occur all at once.

Skillful flattery can motivate anyone to accomplish things they normally cannot do.

To be caught up in an unexpected disaster or trouble through no fault of one's own.

Natural bodily functions and physical ailments can occur at any time or place, regardless of the situation.

To gain a great profit or a valuable reward from a small initial investment or gift.

Settling a past grudge in an unexpected place or through an unrelated matter.

The bonds of romance are mysterious, unpredictable, and full of inexplicable charm.

To end up with something of poor quality despite careful selection or being overly picky.

An expression of satisfaction used when things go exactly as planned or an opportunity is cleverly seized.

To perform a service for free only to end up suffering a loss or damage as a result.

A situation where a third party steps in and takes the profit while two others are busy fighting.

To look surprised and dazed after an unexpected event.

A natural omen signaling coming war, disaster, or grave danger to a ruler.

Good things are prone to being interrupted by obstacles.

A metaphor for something that was once lively suddenly losing its vitality and becoming quiet or desolate.

A person's true character or ability cannot be judged by their outward appearance alone.

A state where many beautiful flowers are blooming at once, or a period where many talented people and great achievements appear simultaneously.

Something unexpected happening, or a joke becoming reality.

Even the briefest of encounters in this life are the result of connections made in previous existences.

One difficulty or crisis follows another in quick succession.

To momentarily catch or hold one's breath due to intense surprise, tension, or awe.

When two or more people's feelings, thoughts, or attitudes perfectly align.

Describes how quickly children’s moods change, shifting from tears to laughter in an instant.

Action leads to unexpected outcomes, whether they be sudden misfortunes or lucky accidents.

Changing a disadvantageous situation into a favorable one with a single attempt.

Refers to an impossible event occurring or to someone past their prime achieving success again.

Romantic feelings can drive people to act beyond reason and sense.

A situation where bad luck is followed by even more bad luck.

Good things are found among the items others have left behind.

A sudden, unexpected event or a major incident that occurs without warning.

Receiving unexpected good fortune or profit without making any effort.

It is difficult to notice things that are right under your nose or close to you.

The world is not only full of heartless people, and there is always someone kind to help you in times of trouble.