Japanese meaning of 鬼に金棒
Reading:
おににかなぼう (Oni ni kanabou)
English Translation:
Adding fuel to the fire / To make a strong person even stronger
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Giving extra power to someone already strong, like handing a spiked club to a demon. This proverb means making something or someone even more unbeatable or formidable. It’s often used to describe a situation where an already favorable position becomes even stronger.
Cultural Context:
Reflects the Japanese use of mythical creatures for exaggeration and emphasis.
もともと強いものや人が、さらに有利な武器や力を手に入れて無敵になることのたとえです。鬼が金棒を持つことで一層手が付けられなくなるというイメージから、強者がさらに強くなる様子を表現しています。
神話の存在（鬼）を強調に使う日本文化の特徴です。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Uses the particle "に" for adding, and juxtaposes "oni" and "kanabou."
Trap for English Speakers
Oni are mythical ogres, not literal; kanabou is a spiked club.
Example
Basic Example
エースが復帰した途端、守備も攻撃も噛み合って「鬼に金棒」になった。
With the ace back, the team became even stronger—adding fuel to the fire.
Applied Example
「新装備、解禁。」彼女がグラブをはめ直すと、チームは鬼に金棒の強さを手に入れた。
“New gear, unlocked.” She tightened her glove and the team looked stronger than ever, like giving an ogre a metal club.