猫ねこに鰹かつお節ぶし

expression

temptation one can't resist; setting a wolf to mind the sheep

Idiomatic expression likening a situation to leaving dried bonito flakes in front of a cat—something that will inevitably lead to trouble or temptation. Often used to describe a person being placed in a situation where they are bound to succumb.

• 彼かれにお金かねを預あずけるのは猫ねこに鰹かつお節ぶしだよ。

  Leaving money with him is like setting a wolf to mind the sheep.

• 甘あまいもの好ずきの彼かの女じょの前まえにケーキを置おくなんて、猫ねこに鰹かつお節ぶしだ。

  Putting a cake in front of her when she loves sweets is like trusting a cat with milk.