PhraseNinja

Proverbs

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

Emotion: Scene:

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.
日本語で読む
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。

Cultural Context:

Reflects the Japanese use of mythical creatures for exaggeration and emphasis.
日本語で読む
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."
日本語で読む
「に」で追加を示し、「鬼」と「金棒」の対比を表現。

Trap for English Speakers

Oni are mythical ogres, not literal; kanabou is a spiked club.
日本語で読む
鬼や金棒は実在のものではない。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 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.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 「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.

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Quick check

Meaning

What does 「鬼に金棒」 mean?

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