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Proverbs

Japanese meaning of 背水の陣

はいすいのじん (Haisui no jin)

English Translation:

A battle line with a river at its back / No way back

Scene:

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Putting yourself in a position with no way to retreat, so that you must give everything you have.
日本語で読む
あとにひけない立場に自分を置いて、全力で物事に取り組むこと。

Cultural Context:

It is often used in the form 背水の陣をしく, for exams, matches or work where there is no second chance.
日本語で読む
「背水の陣をしく」の形で、もうあとがない試験や試合、仕事などについてよく使います。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

•「背水」= having water (a river) at your back. •「陣」= a battle formation. Also 「背水の陣で臨む」.
日本語で読む
•「背水」は川を背にすること。•「陣」は戦いのための軍の配置。「背水の陣で臨む」のようにも使います。

Trap for English Speakers

It is not just being cornered by bad luck; it means giving up any way to retreat on purpose, to fight with full resolve.
日本語で読む
たまたま追いつめられることではなく、わざと逃げ道をなくして必死に戦う覚悟を表します。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 今年落ちたらもう後がない。背水の陣で試験にのぞむ。

    If I fail this year, there's no next time. I'm taking the exam with no way back.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 退路の橋を自ら焼き落とし、忍びの一団は背水の陣で砦に挑んだ。

    Burning the bridge behind them, the band of ninja attacked the fort with no way to retreat.

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Quick check

Meaning

What does 「背水の陣」 mean?

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