noun
unnecessary trouble from prying; startling a snake by brushing the grass
A yojijukugo proverb: unnecessary actions or probing can provoke unexpected trouble. Often used as a warning against meddling.
打草驚蛇という言葉があるように、余計な詮索は思わぬ災いを招くことがある。
As the saying goes, 'brushing the grass may startle a snake'—unnecessary prying can invite unexpected trouble.
A yojijukugo of Chinese origin, literally 'hit grass, startle snake'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it is used as a proverbial warning.