expression
the most thrilling relationships for a man are another man's wife, a maidservant, a mistress, a prostitute, and finally his own wife
A classical proverb listing the supposed ranking of romantic or sexual relationships by excitement, from most to least thrilling. Rare and archaic in modern usage; encountered mainly in historical or literary contexts.
「一盗二婢三妾四妓五妻」という言葉は、江戸時代の遊び心のある価値観を表している。
The phrase '一盗二婢三妾四妓五妻' reflects a playful set of values from the Edo period.
A fixed proverbial expression of uncertain origin, likely from Edo-period popular culture. The exact derivation is uncertain.