noun
laying low and waiting for one's chance
A figurative expression likening a patient, opportunistic strategy to waiting for a persimmon to ripen and fall. Often used in political or strategic contexts.
彼は熟柿主義で、好機が来るまで動かなかった。
He followed a wait-and-see approach, not making a move until the right opportunity came.
Compound of 熟柿 (ripe persimmon) + 主義 (principle, doctrine). The phrase evokes the image of waiting for a persimmon to become fully ripe and fall naturally, rather than picking it prematurely.