蠅よう頭とう

noun

small characters; tiny handwriting

Rare literary term. Literally 'fly's head', used to describe very small writing. Often appears in classical or poetic contexts.

See also: 細字

• 彼かれの手て紙がみは蠅よう頭とうのような細さい字じで書かかれていた。

  His letter was written in tiny characters like the head of a fly.

noun

small profit

Rare term for a meager profit, often used in contrast to larger gains. Compare 小利 (しょうり).

See also: 小利

• 蠅よう頭とうの利りを追おうよりも、大たい局きょくを見みるべきだ。

  Rather than chasing fly-sized profits, one should look at the big picture.