JLPT N2Proverbs
石橋を叩いて渡る
- Meaning
- 用心に用心を重ねて慎重に行動すること
- Explanation
- 「石橋を叩いて渡る」 is a metaphor for acting with great caution, piling caution upon caution, to the point of even tapping a sturdy stone bridge to check it is safe before crossing. It is the opposite of "acting boldly" and expresses an attitude of taking every possible precaution.
Original Japanese explanation
「石橋を叩いて渡る」は、丈夫な石の橋でさえ叩いて安全を確かめるほど、用心に用心を重ねて慎重に行動することのたとえです。「大胆に行動する」とは反対で、念には念を入れる態度を表します。
Quick check
Choose the most appropriate meaning expressed by 「石橋を叩いて渡る」.
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