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杓子で腹を切る (しゃくしではらをきる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ru)
to attempt the impossible ; to try to do something absurd
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to cut one's belly with a ladle', used to describe a futile or impossible task. Often used in negative or rhetorical contexts.
彼かれ に 説せっ 得とく しろ なんて 、 杓しゃく 子し で 腹はら を 切き れ と 言い う に 等ひと しい 。
Telling me to persuade him is like asking me to do the impossible.
Written forms 杓しゃく 子し で 腹はら を 切き る
Standard kanji form for this idiomatic expression.
しゃくしで 腹はら を 切き る
Kana spelling of the first part; used when the kanji 杓子 is considered difficult or obscure.
Kanji 子 child, sign of the rat, 11PM-1AM Similar words 無む 理り 無理 is a general adjective/noun for 'impossible' or 'unreasonable', while 杓子で腹を切る is a vivid idiomatic expression emphasizing the absurdity of the attempt.
不ふ 可か 能のう 不可能 is a more formal and direct term for 'impossible', lacking the metaphorical and colloquial flavor of 杓子で腹を切る.
Etymology The expression derives from the impossibility of cutting one's belly with a ladle (杓子), a blunt kitchen utensil, contrasting with the sharp blade needed for seppuku. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a traditional Japanese idiom.
