赤あかきは酒さけの咎とが

expression

it's not my fault; the red face is the alcohol's fault

Proverb used humorously to excuse one's own drunken behavior or blushing by blaming the alcohol. Literally means 'the red (face) is the fault of the sake'.

• 顔かおが真まっ赤かだね。「赤あかきは酒さけの咎とが」ってやつさ。

  Your face is bright red. Well, as they say, 'the red face is the alcohol's fault.'