へそを曲まげる

へ

そ

を

ま

げ

る

Meanings

1

expression, ichidan verb

sulk; get cranky; get cross; become perverse

idiomatic expression

Idiomatic expression meaning to become sulky, stubborn, or uncooperative, often over something trivial. Literally 'to bend one's navel'.

彼かれはちょっとしたことでへそを曲まげた。
He got sulky over a little thing.

妹いもうとはおもちゃを取とられてへそを曲まげている。

My little sister is sulking because her toy was taken away.

Written forms

へそを曲まげる
Standard kana-kanji mix; the most common written form.
ヘソを曲まげる
Katakana spelling of へそ, sometimes used for emphasis or in casual writing.
臍へそを曲まげる
Kanji form using 臍; rarely used and may be difficult to read.

Kanji

曲bend, music, melody
臍navel

Similar words

すねる
すねる also means to sulk, but is more about pouting or being peevish, often used for children. へそを曲げる implies a more stubborn, uncooperative attitude.
ふくれる
ふくれる means to puff out one's cheeks in a pout; it's a physical expression of sulking, while へそを曲げる is more about the mental state of being cross and uncooperative.

Etymology

The phrase literally means 'to bend one's navel'. The navel is considered the center of the body, and bending it suggests a twisted or stubborn disposition. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a common idiomatic expression.