石橋を叩いて渡る

Meaning: To be extremely, even excessively, cautious.

Language: Japanese

Literally: To tap a stone bridge before crossing

Category: Daily Life

Origin: Testing even a solid stone bridge by tapping it first pictures the height of prudence.

More idioms — Daily Life

• 釘を刺す — To remind someone firmly so they can't back out.
• 班门弄斧 — To display feeble skill before a true master.
• 名落孙山 — To fail an examination.
• De dans ontspringen — To narrowly escape trouble.
• Att smita från notan — To dodge paying or shirk responsibility.
• Att sätta sig på tvären — To be obstinate and refuse to cooperate.

More Japanese idioms

• 顔から火が出る — To burn with embarrassment.
• 猫の手も借りたい — I'm so busy I'll take help from anyone.
• 猿も木から落ちる — Even experts make mistakes.
• 花より団子 — Substance over style; practicality over beauty.
• 猫をかぶる — To hide one's true nature; to act innocent.
• 馬の耳に念仏 — Wasted advice on someone who won't listen.

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