PhraseNinja

Proverbs

Japanese meaning of まな板の鯉

まないたのこい (Manaita no koi)

English Translation:

A carp on the cutting board / At someone's mercy

Scene:

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Being in a situation where you can do nothing more and must leave your fate to others.
日本語で読む
自分ではもうどうすることもできず、相手や運にまかせるしかない状態のこと。

Cultural Context:

It is used when you have done all you can and can only wait, such as for exam results, an interview decision or surgery.
日本語で読む
試験の結果や面接の合否、手術など、やれることはやって、あとは待つしかないときに使います。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

•「まな板」= a cutting board. •「鯉」= a carp. Also said 「まな板の上の鯉」.
日本語で読む
•「まな板」は料理で食材を切る板。•「鯉」は魚のコイ。「まな板の上の鯉」とも言います。

Trap for English Speakers

It is not about cooking or fish; it describes having no choice but to wait for someone else's decision.
日本語で読む
料理や魚の話ではなく、ほかの人の判断を待つしかない状態のたとえです。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 面接は全部終わった。あとはまな板の鯉で、結果を待つだけだ。

    The interviews are all done. It's out of my hands now; I just have to wait for the results.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 捕まった忍びは「まな板の鯉だ」とつぶやき、縛られたまま昼寝を始めた。

    The captured ninja muttered, "It's out of my hands," and took a nap, still tied up.

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Quick check

Meaning

What does 「まな板の鯉」 mean?

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