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虫を殺す (むしをころす) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-su)
control one's temper ; suppress one's anger
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to kill the insect', used figuratively for holding back irritation or anger. Often used in the negative or as advice.
もん
句く
を
言い
わ
れ
た
が
、
虫むし
を
殺ころ
し
て
我が
慢まん
し
た
。
My boss complained to me, but I held back my anger and endured it.
Similar words 腹はら が 立た つ Means 'to get angry' or 'to be offended', describing the feeling itself, while 虫を殺す focuses on the act of suppressing that anger.
我が 慢まん する A general verb for 'to endure' or 'to be patient', not limited to anger. 虫を殺す is specifically about controlling one's temper.
Etymology The phrase literally means 'to kill the insect (inside oneself)'. The 'insect' (虫) is a traditional metaphor for emotions or impulses, particularly anger. The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects the old belief that strong emotions were caused by 'worms' or 'insects' in the body.
