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一目置く (いちもくおく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ku)
acknowledge someone's superiority ; take off one's hat to someone
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression meaning to recognize that someone is better than oneself in some respect and to show respect or deference. Often used in the pattern 〜に一目置く.
じょ
は
誰だれ
から
も
一いち
目もく
置お
か
れる
存そん
在ざい
だ
。
She is someone everyone looks up to.
Written forms 一いち 目もく 置お く
Standard kanji spelling for this idiomatic expression.
いちもく 置お く
Kana for the first part is sometimes seen in less formal writing.
Similar words 敬けい 服ふく 敬服 is a more formal noun/suru-verb meaning 'admiration' or 'deep respect', while 一目置く is an idiomatic verb phrase implying a recognition of superiority, often with a nuance of conceding a step.
感かん 心しん 感心 means 'admiration' or 'being impressed', often for a specific action or quality, whereas 一目置く implies a more general acknowledgment of someone's higher standing or ability.
Etymology From the game of Go, where a weaker player is allowed to place an extra stone (一目) as a handicap, thus acknowledging the opponent's superiority. The expression broadened to mean showing respect or deference to someone's greater ability.
