石いし橋ばしを叩たたいて渡わたる

expression

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.

• 彼かれは石いし橋ばしを叩たたいて渡わたるような性せい格かくで、なかなか決けつ断だんできない。

  He has a personality of being excessively cautious, so he can't make decisions easily.

• 石いし橋ばしを叩たたいて渡わたるのもいいが、時ときには思おもい切きりも必ひつ要ようだ。

  It's good to be cautious, but sometimes you need to be bold.