驕おごる平へい家けは久ひさしからず

Meanings

expression

pride goes before a fall; the proud do not endure

proverb

Proverb warning that arrogance leads to downfall. Literally refers to the historical Heike (Taira) clan, whose pride preceded their defeat.

See also: おごる平家久しからず

「驕おごる平へい家けは久ひさしからず」というように、成せい功こうしても謙けん虚きょさを忘わすれてはいけない。
As the saying goes, 'pride goes before a fall'; even when successful, you must not forget humility.
彼かれは調ちょう子しに乗のって失しっ敗ぱいした。まさに驕おごる平へい家けは久ひさしからずだ。
He got carried away and failed. It's a perfect example of 'pride goes before a fall.'

Written forms

驕おごる平へい家けは久ひさしからず
Standard kanji form for this proverb. 驕る means 'to be arrogant'.
おごる平へい家けは久ひさしからず
Kana spelling of the first word, sometimes used to avoid the less common kanji 驕る.

Kanji

平even, flat, peace
家house, home, family
久long time, old story
驕pride, haughtiness

Similar words

驕おごる
The verb meaning 'to be arrogant' or 'to be proud'; the proverb uses its attributive form.
平へい家け
The Taira clan, a powerful family in the late Heian period whose downfall is the historical basis of this proverb.
驕おごれる者もの久ひさしからず
A more general variant: 'The arrogant do not last long,' without specific reference to the Heike.

Etymology

From the opening of the medieval epic 'The Tale of the Heike' (平家物語), which reflects on the rise and fall of the Taira clan. The phrase encapsulates the Buddhist-influenced theme of impermanence and the dangers of pride.