expression
even the patience of a saint eventually runs out; even Buddha gets annoyed if you touch his face three times
Proverb warning that even a gentle, patient person will get angry if provoked repeatedly. Often used to caution against taking advantage of someone's kindness.
何度も遅刻すると、仏の顔も三度で、上司も怒り出すよ。
If you're late too many times, even the patience of a saint runs out—your boss will get angry too.
仏の顔も三度というから、あまり甘えすぎないほうがいい。
As the saying goes, even Buddha's face only three times—so you shouldn't take advantage of someone's kindness too much.
A Japanese proverb of uncertain origin, literally meaning 'even Buddha's face (only) three times.' It reflects the idea that even a supremely compassionate figure will eventually react to repeated provocation.