手て前まえ定じょう規ぎ

Meanings

1

noun

self-serving logic; convenient reasoning

Refers to reasoning that is twisted to suit one's own interests or convenience, often used critically.

彼かれの言いい分ぶんは手て前まえ定じょう規ぎで、まったく説せっ得とく力りょくがない。
His argument is self-serving and completely unconvincing.

standard, measure

Similar words

自じ分ぶん勝かっ手て
自分勝手 describes selfish behavior in general, while 手前定規 specifically refers to self-serving logic or reasoning.
ご都つ合ごう主しゅ義ぎ
ご都合主義 is a broader term for opportunism or expediency, whereas 手前定規 focuses on the act of twisting logic to fit one's own convenience.

Etymology

Compound of 手前 (oneself) and 定規 (ruler, standard), literally meaning 'one's own ruler,' implying a standard that is conveniently adjusted to suit oneself.