expression, ichidan verb
make a mess of it; fail and lose face; embarrass oneself
Idiomatic expression for blundering or failing in a way that causes embarrassment or loss of face. Often used when someone makes a mistake that damages their reputation or pride.
大事なプレゼンで味噌をつけてしまった。
I made a mess of it during the important presentation.
彼は簡単なミスで味噌をつけた
He embarrassed himself with a simple mistake.
expression, ichidan verb
spread miso (e.g. on konnyaku)
Original literal meaning: to apply miso paste onto something, such as konnyaku. Now rare and mostly replaced by the idiomatic sense; still understood in historical or culinary contexts.
昔はこんにゃくに味噌をつけて食べたものだ。
In the old days, people used to eat konnyaku with miso spread on it.