腹はらの虫むし

expression, noun

roundworm; intestinal worm

Literal meaning: parasitic worm in the belly. Used in old medical or folk contexts; modern term is 回虫 (かいちゅう).

• 昔むかしは腹はらの虫むしを取とるために薬やく草そうが使つかわれた。

  In the past, herbs were used to expel intestinal worms.

expression, noun

inner feelings; mood-influencing emotions

Figurative use: the 'worm in one's belly' that stirs up anger or discontent. Common in the set phrase 腹の虫が治まらない (cannot contain one's anger).

See also: 腹の虫がおさまらない

• 彼かれの失しつ礼れいな態たい度どに腹はらの虫むしが治おさまらなかった。

  I couldn't contain my anger at his rude attitude.

expression, noun

stomach growling; hunger pangs

Figurative use: the 'worm' that makes one's stomach rumble. Often used in the phrase 腹の虫が鳴る (one's stomach growls).

See also: 腹の虫が鳴る

• 昼ちゅう食しょくを抜ぬいたら、午ご後ごになって腹はらの虫むしが鳴なり始はじめた。

  After skipping lunch, my stomach started growling in the afternoon.