山さん椒しょうは小こ粒つぶでもぴりりと辛からい

expression, i-adjective

size isn't everything; small but mighty

Proverb meaning that even small things or people can be remarkably effective, sharp, or talented. Literally: 'Japanese pepper is small-grained but has a tongue-numbing tingle.'

• 彼かれは小こ柄がらだが、山さん椒しょうは小こ粒つぶでもぴりりと辛からいというように、仕し事ごとができる。

  He is small in stature, but as the saying goes, 'size isn't everything'—he is very capable at work.

• この唐とう辛がら子しは小ちいさいけれど、山さん椒しょうは小こ粒つぶでもぴりりと辛からいで、とても辛からい。

  This chili pepper is small, but as the proverb says, 'something might be small but still pack a punch'—it's very hot.