expression
secret unrequited love
Rare idiomatic expression for one-sided love that is kept hidden. The image comes from the abalone's single shell, likened to a love that is not returned. Also known as 鮑の貝の片思い.
See also: 鮑の貝の片思い
「鮑の片思い」ということわざを知っていますか。
Do you know the saying 'awabi no kataomoi' (secret unrequited love)?
片思い is the common word for unrequited love, while 鮑の片思い is a rare, poetic expression emphasizing secrecy.
The expression is based on a pun: 鮑 (abalone) has a single shell, and 片思い (one-sided love) is likened to that single shell, suggesting a love that is not mutual and often kept secret.