The Rabbit's Uphill Climb (Usagi no Nobori-zaka)
The Rabbit's Uphill Climb (Usagi no Nobori-zaka)
The Rabbit's Uphill Climb (Usagi no Nobori-zaka)
Being chosen as a relay runner but lacking confidence due to a preference for long-distance races. 'In that case, I'll take your place. I'm good at sprints, so it'll be like a rabbit's uphill climb for me!' This proverb might sound peculiar to some, especially if it's their first time hearing it. Rabbits are indeed known for their proficiency in running, but why are 'rabbits' and 'slopes' used in this proverb? The secret actually lies in a specific physical characteristic of rabbits. Let's dive in and uncover this secret!
The Rabbit's Uphill Climb (Usagi no Nobori-zaka) Basic Infomation
What does 'The Rabbit's Uphill Climb' mean?
It means to demonstrate one's strengths in a favorable area, leading to smooth and rapid progress.
How did this proverb originate?
Rabbits have longer hind legs compared to their front legs, making them adept at running uphill, whereas they tend to walk cautiously when going downhill. This physical trait is metaphorically applied to humans, giving rise to the proverb.
※A metaphor is a figure of speech in which something is represented by another thing.
The Rabbit's Uphill Climb (Usagi no Nobori-zaka) Q&A
Let's modernize 'The Rabbit's Uphill Climb'!
For a bit of fun, let's give 'The Rabbit's Uphill Climb' a contemporary twist.
・Tutoring by a University of Tokyo student
・Personal coaching by a professional baseball player
Something like this!
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The Rabbit's Uphill Climb (Usagi no Nobori-zaka) References
- The Second Edition of the Great Dictionary of the Japanese Language
- Digital Daijisen
- Proverb Dictionary http://kotowaza-allguide.com/u/usaginonoborizaka.html
- The Encyclopedia of Living with Rabbits https://www.anicom-sompo.co.jp/usagi/
- Eyecatch Image https://pixabay.com/images/id-5083360/
