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白羽の矢が立つ (しらはのやがたつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-tsu)
be singled out ; be chosen (from many)
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression evoking the image of a white-feathered arrow landing on someone, marking them as the chosen one. Often used when someone is selected for a role, task, or responsibility, sometimes with a nuance of being unwillingly picked.
新しん
入にゅう
社しゃ
員いん
の
中なか
から
彼かの
女じょ
に
白しら
羽は
の
矢や
が
立た
っ
た
。
She was chosen from among the new employees.
Kanji 羽 feathers, counter for birds, rabbits Similar words 選えら ばれる 選ばれる is a general passive meaning 'to be chosen', while 白羽の矢が立つ is an idiomatic expression with a more vivid, often dramatic nuance of being singled out from a group.
抜ばっ 擢てき される 抜擢される means 'to be specially selected/promoted', often for a position or honor, and is more formal. 白羽の矢が立つ can be used in both formal and casual contexts and emphasizes the process of selection.
Etymology Literally 'a white-feathered arrow stands (on someone)'. The idiom originates from an ancient practice or legend where a white-feathered arrow was used to mark a person chosen for a sacrifice or important role. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the phrase is now a common metaphor for being selected.
