noun
all things following their nature and living freely; Heaven's will for free and natural life
A rare yojijukugo expressing the idea that all beings should live according to their innate nature, freely and joyfully. Sense 2 adds a metaphysical dimension of Heaven's will. The literal image is of kites flying and fish leaping.
「鳶飛魚躍」は、万物が本来の性に従って自由に生きる様子を表す故事成語だ。
鳶飛魚躍 is a classical idiom that describes all things living freely according to their original nature.
noun
ruler's benevolence spreading so people find their place
A rare extended meaning: when a ruler's benevolence spreads, people naturally find their proper roles according to their abilities. This sense is more political and less common.
古典では、「鳶飛魚躍」が君主の徳によって民が各々の能力を発揮する理想を指すことがある。
In classical texts, 鳶飛魚躍 can refer to the ideal where, through a ruler's virtue, the people each demonstrate their abilities.
A yojijukugo derived from classical Chinese philosophy, combining the images of a kite (鳶) flying and a fish (魚) leaping to symbolize natural, unforced action. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.