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身を翻す (みをひるがえす) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-su)
dodge nimbly ; turn aside quickly
Describes a swift, skillful movement to avoid something, often with a nuance of agility or deftness. Used for physical dodging as well as metaphorical evasion.
彼かれ
は
巧たく
み
に
身み
を
翻ひるがえ
し
て
かわし
た
。
He skillfully dodged the reporter's sharp question.
Kanji 身 somebody, person, one's station in life Similar words かわす かわす is a general verb for dodging or parrying, while 身を翻す emphasizes the physical or metaphorical act of turning one's body aside adroitly.
身み をかわす 身をかわす also means to dodge by moving the body, but 身を翻す adds a nuance of a swift, turning motion.
Etymology Composed of 身 (body) + を (object marker) + 翻す (to turn over, to flutter). Literally 'to flip one's body', the expression conveys a quick, agile turning motion to avoid something.