expression, godan verb (-ku)
even hell's cauldron lid opens during Obon and New Year
Proverb meaning that even the strictest or most relentless things take a break during Obon and the New Year holidays. Used to express that these periods are times of rest and relaxation for everyone, even demons.
See also: お盆
お盆になると、地獄の釜の蓋も開くというから、ゆっくり休もう。
They say even hell's cauldron lid opens during Obon, so let's take a good rest.