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臍を固める (ほぞをかためる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
make up one's mind ; resolve firmly
Idiomatic expression meaning to decide with strong determination, often after hesitation. Literally 'to harden one's navel', implying a resolute stance.
ついに
臍ほぞ
を
固かた
め
て
転てん
職しょく
する
こと
に
し
た
。
After hesitating for a long time, I finally resolved firmly to change jobs.
Written forms 臍ほぞ を 固かた める
Standard kanji spelling. 臍 is a non-jōyō kanji, but this form is widely recognized in the idiom.
ほぞを 固かた める
Kana spelling is common when the kanji 臍 is considered difficult or obscure.
Similar words 腹はら を 決き める Similar meaning of making a firm decision, but 腹を決める is more common and less idiomatic. 臍を固める carries a slightly more dramatic or old-fashioned nuance.
決けっ 心しん する A straightforward, neutral verb for 'to decide' or 'to make up one's mind', without the idiomatic flavor of 臍を固める.
Etymology The phrase literally means 'to harden one's navel'. The navel (臍) was traditionally considered the center of the body and spirit, so hardening it symbolizes steeling one's resolve. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a well-established idiom.
