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殺ころさず

expression

even a hunter will not kill a bird that has come to him for shelter

Proverb meaning that even a ruthless person will show mercy to someone who seeks their protection or 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殺ころさず」というから、助たすけを求もとめてきた者ものを見み捨すてるわけにはいかない。

  As the saying goes, 'Even a hunter will not kill a bird that has come to him for shelter,' so I cannot abandon someone who has come to me for help.