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.
His work is truly a thankless task; no one notices it.
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.
縁の下の舞のような役割でも、誰かがやらなければならない。
Even a role like a thankless task, someone has to do it.
The 'dance under the veranda' was an event once held at Tennōji temple in Osaka.
Literally 'a dance under the veranda.' The idiomatic meaning derives from the image of a performance that goes unseen by the audience, symbolizing unrecognized effort. The historical sense refers to a specific ritual dance at Tennōji temple.