狭せまき門もん

expression, noun

the strait gate; the narrow gate

Biblical reference to Matthew 7:13–14; used in religious or literary contexts.

• 聖せい書しょには「狭せまき門もんから入いれ」と書かかれている。

  The Bible says, 'Enter through the narrow gate.'

expression, noun

high barrier; difficult hurdle; narrow gate

Figurative extension of the Biblical phrase; used for highly selective entrance exams, competitive job markets, or any situation where only a few succeed.

• あの大だい学がくの医い学がく部ぶはまさに狭せまき門もんだ。

  The medical school of that university is truly a narrow gate.

• プロの音おん楽がく家かになるのは狭せまき門もんだが、彼かれは諦あきらめなかった。

  Becoming a professional musician is a difficult hurdle, but he didn't give up.