expression
even experts make mistakes; Homer sometimes nods
Proverb meaning that even a master can err. Literally refers to the great calligrapher Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) making a brush mistake.
弘法も筆の誤りで、彼ほどのベテランでもたまにはミスをする。
Even Homer sometimes nods; even a veteran like him makes a mistake now and then.
Similar proverb meaning 'even monkeys fall from trees,' emphasizing that anyone can make a mistake. 弘法も筆の誤り specifically references a master calligrapher's error.
Another similar proverb: 'even a kappa can be swept away by the river.' All three share the theme that experts are not infallible.
Attributed to the renowned Buddhist monk and calligrapher Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai, 774–835). The proverb likely originated from an anecdote in which he made a rare mistake in a piece of calligraphy, illustrating that even masters can err.