縁えんの下したの舞まい

expression, noun

hard work gone unnoticed; thankless task

Idiomatic expression for efforts that are not seen or appreciated, like a dance performed under a veranda where no one watches. Often used to describe behind-the-scenes contributions.

• 彼かれの仕し事ごとはまさに縁えんの下したの舞まいで、誰だれも気きづかない。

  His work is truly a thankless task; no one notices it.

• 縁えんの下したの舞まいのような役やく割わりでも、誰だれかがやらなければならない。

  Even a role like a thankless task, someone has to do it.

expression, noun

off-stage dance performed at Tennōji temple

Original literal meaning: a historical dance performed on the 22nd day of the 2nd month in the lunar calendar at Osaka's Tennōji temple. This sense is now archaic and rarely used outside historical or cultural contexts.

• 縁えんの下したの舞まいは、かつて大おお阪さかの天てん王のう寺じで行おこなわれていた行ぎょう事じです。

  The 'dance under the veranda' was an event once held at Tennōji temple in Osaka.