李り下かに冠かんむりを正たださず

Meanings

leave no room for scandal; avoid actions that could be misinterpreted

Proverb warning against behavior that might invite suspicion, even if innocent. Literally: 'Don't adjust your cap under a plum tree (lest you look like you're stealing plums).' Used to advise caution in situations where one's actions could be misconstrued.

李り下かに冠かんむりを正たださずというから、人ひと前まえでお金かねを数かぞえるのはやめておこう。
As the proverb says, 'Don't adjust your cap under a plum tree,' so I'll avoid counting money in front of others.

See all 2 example sentences ›

Kanji

李plum
下below, down, descend
冠crown, best, peerless
正correct, justice, righteous
整organize, arranging, tune

Related words

瓜田かでんに履くつを納いれず
A similar Chinese-origin proverb: 'Don't put on your shoes in a melon patch (lest you look like you're stealing melons).' Often paired with 李下に冠を正さず to emphasize avoiding suspicious situations.

Written forms

李り下かに冠かんむりを正たださず
Standard kanji form of the proverb.
李下りかに冠かんむりを整たださず
Variant using 整 instead of 正; less common but attested.

Etymology

From a classical Chinese proverb, later adopted into Japanese. The literal meaning is 'Do not straighten your cap under a plum tree,' because raising your hands could be mistaken for trying to pick plums. It is a caution against actions that might invite unfounded suspicion.