鞘さや当あて

noun

rivalry in love; love triangle

Refers to competition between two people for the affection of the same person, often with a dramatic or old-fashioned flavor. Commonly used in the phrase 恋の鞘当て.

See also: 恋の鞘当て

• あの二人ふたりは恋こいの鞘さや当あてをしているらしい。

  Those two seem to be rivals in love.

noun

quarrel over a trifle; storm in a teacup

A dispute or argument over something insignificant; often used figuratively. The literal image is of two samurai quarreling after their sword sheaths accidentally touch.

• そんな小ちいさなことで鞘さや当あてをするのはやめよう。

  Let's not quarrel over such a trivial matter.

noun

quarrel from clashing sheaths

Original literal meaning: a fight between two samurai caused by accidentally bumping sword sheaths while passing each other. Now mostly historical or used to explain the origin of the figurative senses.

• 鞘さや当あては、かつて武ぶ士し同どう士しの諍いさかいのきっかけになった。

  In the past, a clash of sheaths could trigger a quarrel between samurai.