地じ獄ごくの釜かまの蓋ふたも開あく

expression, godan verb (-ku)

even hell's cauldron lid opens during Obon and New Year

Proverb meaning that even the strictest or most relentless things take a break during Obon and the New Year holidays. Used to express that these periods are times of rest and relaxation for everyone, even demons.

See also: お盆

• お盆ぼんになると、地じ獄ごくの釜かまの蓋ふたも開あくというから、ゆっくり休やすもう。

  They say even hell's cauldron lid opens during Obon, so let's take a good rest.