Japanese Proverbs About Caution and Risk

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

Failing to obtain anything by being greedy and trying to grab two things at once.

Taking a significant risk or using dangerous methods to achieve a goal.

Doing something dangerous is equivalent to being injured, even if you avoid harm this time.

To rest on one's laurels or status and stop making an effort.

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

Bad deeds and negative rumors spread quickly to the world.

A bad situation continues with no signs of improvement and an ominous atmosphere.

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

A tiny flaw or a moment of carelessness can lead to a massive disaster or failure.

Extremely strict security or surveillance where not a single gap remains.

A tiny oversight or flaw can eventually lead to a major disaster.

A weather proverb stating that seeing a rainbow in the morning is a sign that heavy rain will follow later that day.

Treat even minor or easy tasks with the same level of caution and attention as difficult ones.

A black kite calling in the morning is a traditional sign that rain is approaching, advising people to stay indoors.

To take advantage of another person's weakness or difficult situation.

To be tripped up or taken advantage of by unfair means when one is off guard.

Taking precautions and preparing for danger in advance.

The misfortune that strikes someone else today could happen to you tomorrow.

A certain small profit today is better than an uncertain large profit tomorrow.

Do not procrastinate, as unexpected events may rob you of the opportunity to act tomorrow.

Attend to your own affairs before interfering in the business of others.

Accidentally letting out a single word that leads to a secret being completely revealed.

To become excessively cautious after a single failure or bad experience.

To be in an extremely unstable and dangerous situation that could collapse at any moment.

A metaphor for temptations or vices that destroy a person's inherent good nature or natural talents.

To keep a promise even at the cost of one's life, or to be stubbornly and foolishly honest to the point of inflexibility.

Always be prepared for a potential crisis even during peaceful or prosperous times.

Start things on a small scale and gradually grow them over time.

Great events or major problems originate from minor causes.

Small details must be handled carefully when pursuing a big goal, or small things may be sacrificed for a larger objective.

When a man steps out into society to work or lead a life, he will inevitably encounter many rivals and obstacles.

Starting preparations only after a problem has already occurred.

Scrambling to prepare or take measures only after a problem has already occurred.

If you do not plan for the distant future, you will certainly face trouble in the near future.

Help that is far away cannot provide relief for an immediate emergency.

Expresses a conflict where one desires something attractive but is held back by the fear of associated risks.

To be terrified by even the slightest sound or sign of something.

Indicates a tense atmosphere where major events, disturbances, or social upheavals are imminent.

Describes being in an extremely dangerous situation or a precarious position that requires extreme caution.

Doing work too quickly results in poor quality.

Start quietly and cautiously to put others off guard, then act with sudden speed once an opportunity arises.

To take a story with skepticism by only believing about half of what is said.

Becoming excessively fearful of harmless things that resemble a past traumatic experience.

Great power and military might can ironically lead to destruction through overconfidence.

Favoring someone excessively can unintentionally harm them or damage their reputation.

A rash and reckless form of bravery that lacks foresight or discretion.

Losing everything to someone after offering them a small favor.