Yojijukugo (Japanese Four-Character Idioms)

残業代の上限が上がったと思ったら、基本給が下がった。これは朝三暮四だ。

They raised the overtime cap but cut the base salary — that’s three in the morning and four in the evening.

試合終了間際の失点。油断大敵を痛感した。

A goal conceded in the final moments — a harsh lesson that carelessness is your worst enemy.

彼は多くを語らず、不言実行で結果を残した。

He spoke little, letting his actions speak for themselves.

二人の戦法は同工異曲で、結果は同じ勝利だった。

Their strategies were different in form but the same in essence, both leading to victory.

千載一遇のチャンスを前に、彼の手が震えた。

His hands trembled at the once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity before him.

その出会いは偶然ではない、まさに因縁生起だった。

That meeting was no coincidence — it was truly a fated connection.

「今は動くな。時期尚早だ。」

Don’t make a move now. It’s premature.

二つの案は大同小異で、どちらでも結果は同じだった。

The two plans were much the same, with only minor differences.

「やっぱ俺、天才だな。」完全に自画自賛だった。

I really am a genius. It was pure self-praise.

予想外の事態に、選手たちは右往左往していた。

In the unexpected situation, the players rushed about in confusion.