JLPT N2Proverbs
藪をつついて蛇を出す
- Meaning
- 余計なことをして災いを招くこと
- Explanation
- "藪をつついて蛇を出す" is a metaphor for doing unnecessary things you didn't have to do and, on the contrary, bringing trouble upon yourself. The opposite of "it is good to actively bring problems to the surface," it expresses the regret that it would have been better to leave it alone.
Original Japanese explanation
「藪をつついて蛇を出す」は、しなくてもよい余計なことをして、かえって災いを招くことのたとえです。「問題は積極的に表面化させるのがよい」とは逆で、触れずにおけばよかったという後悔を表します。
Quick check
Choose the most appropriate meaning expressed by "藪をつついて蛇を出す".
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