窮きゅう鳥ちょう懐ふところに入いれば猟りょう師しもこれを殺ころさず

Meanings

1

even a hunter won't kill a bird that seeks refuge in his bosom

Proverb meaning that even a ruthless person will show mercy to someone who throws themselves on their mercy.

「窮きゅう鳥ちょう懐ふところに入いれば猟りょう師しもこれを殺ころさず」というように、敵てきでも助たすけを求もとめられれば見み逃のがすことがある。
As the proverb goes, 'Even a hunter won't kill a bird that seeks refuge in his bosom,' meaning that even an enemy may be spared if they plead for help.