being excessively cautious; knocking on a stone bridge before crossing it
Proverbial expression for extreme caution, often used critically when someone is too careful or hesitant. The literal image is of tapping a solid stone bridge to test its safety before crossing.
He has a personality of being excessively cautious, so he can't make decisions easily.
石橋を叩いて渡るのもいいが、時には思い切りも必要だ。
It's good to be cautious, but sometimes you need to be bold.
Both mean being very careful, but 石橋を叩いて渡る emphasizes excessive caution to the point of hesitation, while 念には念を入れる focuses on double-checking and thoroughness.
Standard kanji spelling for this idiomatic expression.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; the verb 叩く is written in kana.
A Japanese proverb literally meaning 'to cross a stone bridge while tapping it.' The image is of someone who, despite the bridge being solid stone, still taps it to ensure safety, symbolizing extreme caution.