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なめてかかる Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ru)
look down on ; underestimate ; make light of
usually written using kana alone
Expresses contempt or dismissive underestimation of a person or situation, often implying that the speaker thinks the target is not worth taking seriously.
He always looks down on me.
Similar words 見み 下くだ す 見下す is a more direct and formal verb meaning 'to look down on' or 'despise', while なめてかかる is a colloquial expression that emphasizes a dismissive, underestimating attitude.
馬ば 鹿か にする 馬鹿にする means 'to make a fool of' or 'to ridicule', often with a more active mocking nuance, whereas なめてかかる focuses on underestimation and contemptuous disregard.
Etymology From 嘗める (なめる, 'to lick; to taste; to experience') in its figurative sense of 'to make light of' or 'to underestimate', combined with かかる ('to take on; to confront'). The expression literally suggests confronting someone or something with a dismissive, 'licking' attitude.
