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目端が利く (めはしがきく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ku)
quick-witted ; tactful ; sensible
Describes someone who is sharp, perceptive, and good at reading situations, often in social or practical contexts. The phrase literally means 'the edge of one's eyes works well'.
目め 端はし が 利き く 人ひと なら 、 こんな トラブル は 未み 然ぜん に 防ふせ げ た はず だ 。
A sensible person would have been able to prevent this kind of trouble beforehand.
Written forms 目め 端はし が 利き く
目め 端はし がきく
Kana spelling of the verb part; less common but still used.
Kanji 利 profit, advantage, benefit Similar words 気き が 利き く 気が利く emphasizes thoughtfulness and attentiveness to others' needs, while 目端が利く focuses more on sharp perception and quick judgment.
機き 転てん が 利き く 機転が利く highlights resourcefulness and the ability to come up with clever solutions on the spot, whereas 目端が利く is about being perceptive and tactful in social situations.
Etymology Compound of 目端 (めはし, 'sharpness of eye') + が + 利く (きく, 'to function well'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the expression figuratively describes keen observation and quick-wittedness.
