JLPT N1Idioms
白羽の矢が立つ
- Meaning
- 多くの中から特に選ばれて指名される
- Explanation
- "白羽の矢が立つ" means being specially chosen and designated from among many candidates. Originally it meant being selected as a sacrifice or offering, but now it is also used in a good sense of being picked for an important role or as a representative. c3 "being made to bear responsibility" carries too strong a connotation of misfortune and strays from the core meaning of being selected.
Original Japanese explanation
「白羽の矢が立つ」は多くの候補の中から特に選ばれて指名されることを表す。本来は犠牲・生贄に選ばれる意だったが、現在は大役や代表に抜擢される良い意味でも使う。c3「責任を負わされる」は不運の含意が強すぎ、選抜という核心からずれる。
Quick check
Please choose the most appropriate meaning of "白羽の矢が立つ."
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