三さん歩ぽ下さがって

expression, adverb

with humility; humbly; three steps behind

Idiomatic expression often used to describe a woman's modest, supportive stance in relation to her partner, literally 'three steps behind'. Can be used more broadly for any humble, deferential attitude.

• 彼かの女じょはいつも夫おっとの三さん歩ぽ下さがって歩あるくような人ひとだ。

  She is the kind of person who always walks three steps behind her husband.

• 三さん歩ぽ下さがって師しの影かげを踏ふまず、という教おしえがある。

  There is a teaching that says, 'Walk three steps behind your teacher and do not step on their shadow.'