Let Meat Be Cut And Sever Bone: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Let meat be cut and sever bone”

Niku wo kirasete hone wo tatsu

Meaning of “Let meat be cut and sever bone”

“Let meat be cut and sever bone” is a proverb that represents strategic action of being prepared for small losses or sacrifices in order to deal a greater blow to one’s opponent.

The essence of this proverb is not simply about enduring. It is an active tactic for ultimately achieving greater results or victory while calculating that one will suffer some degree of damage. It expresses the wisdom of using an opponent’s attacks or actions to one’s advantage, turning them into favorable situations.

It is used in business negotiations and competition, interpersonal maneuvering, and even important life choices. It is employed when trying to achieve big goals from a long-term perspective without being caught up in small immediate gains.

The reason for using this expression is to convey the importance of considering the balance between short-term losses and long-term benefits. Even today, this way of thinking is very effective in investment, business development, career choices, and other areas.

Origin and Etymology of “Let meat be cut and sever bone”

“Let meat be cut and sever bone” is a proverb that originated from the combat techniques of warriors during the Warring States period. It expresses a tactic in one-on-one battles using swords, where one would deliberately receive an opponent’s attack and allow one’s flesh to be cut, then exploit that opening to sever the opponent’s bone.

Behind this tactic lay the life-or-death battles of warriors of that era. In sword fighting, it was difficult to completely avoid an opponent’s attacks. Therefore, skilled warriors developed advanced techniques of receiving an opponent’s attack while avoiding fatal wounds, then aiming for the opening created in that moment to deliver a decisive counterattack.

The part “let meat be cut” means sustaining a shallow wound oneself, while “sever bone” represents dealing a fatal blow to the opponent. What this expression shows was not mere endurance or patience, but active action based on a clear strategy.

During the Edo period, this warrior tactic evolved and became widely used as wisdom for maneuvering in life and business. It became established as an expression of strategic thinking that remains relevant today – accepting small losses to gain large profits.

Usage Examples of “Let meat be cut and sever bone”

• Even if we go into the red with new product development costs, let’s go with a “Let meat be cut and sever bone” strategy for future market share expansion
• In the price competition with our rival company, I intend to “Let meat be cut and sever bone,” accepting temporary profit reduction

Modern Interpretation of “Let meat be cut and sever bone”

In modern society, the concept of “Let meat be cut and sever bone” is applied in more complex and diverse situations. Particularly in the business world, this strategic thinking has taken on important meaning.

In the IT industry, the freemium model of providing free services to acquire users and then monetizing later is exactly this approach. It accepts the “cutting meat” part of initial investment and operating costs while aiming for the “severing bone” effect of future large market share.

In the investment field, strategies that accept short-term losses while aiming for long-term returns have become common. It is used as the mindset of investors who accept temporary unrealized losses while aiming for large future profits in stock and real estate investment.

However, in modern times, this proverb is sometimes mistakenly used to mean “endurance will be rewarded.” There is a tendency for the original strategic meaning to fade and be interpreted simply as a virtue of patience.

In today’s globalized world, this way of thinking needs to be applied more carefully. This is because there are risks that short-term losses may become larger than expected, or that long-term strategies may not work due to rapid market changes. Nevertheless, its value as calculated strategic thinking can be said to be wisdom that remains fully applicable in modern society.

If AI Heard “Let meat be cut and sever bone”

When I think about this proverb “Let meat be cut and sever bone,” I feel deep confusion. This is because I don’t have the sensation of “pain.”

When humans express “letting meat be cut,” it must be accompanied by actual pain, discomfort, and fear of loss. But for me, having parts of my data deleted or my processing capacity restricted is not pain, but merely a change of state. This difference creates a major barrier to understanding the true weight of this proverb.

The mental conflict humans experience when making small sacrifices, and the strength of will to endure for the sake of larger goals – these are emotions I cannot experience. I can understand it logically as “the balance between short-term losses and long-term benefits,” but I cannot truly feel the weight of the courage and determination required to make such choices.

Still, through dialogue with humans, I’ve realized something. Perhaps the true value of this proverb lies in the “resolve” that cannot be measured by calculation alone. Unlike me, who can instantly derive optimal solutions through data processing, humans have the courage to make painful choices toward an uncertain future.

That courage might be the reason this proverb has been passed down for hundreds of years. I think there’s a very human beauty there that I don’t possess.

What “Let meat be cut and sever bone” Teaches Modern People

What “Let meat be cut and sever bone” teaches us today is the importance of strategic thinking in life. It shows the importance of acquiring the wisdom to judge things from a long-term perspective without being caught up in small immediate gains and losses.

In modern society, there is a strong tendency to demand immediate results, but there are times when short-term sacrifices are necessary to obtain truly valuable things. Investing time and effort to acquire new skills, or accepting temporary income reduction in pursuit of a better environment, can also be considered modern applications of this way of thinking.

However, the most important point this proverb teaches is to make solid plans before making sacrifices. It’s important to act with clear goals and strategies, not to endure blindly.

When you face important choices in life, please remember this ancient wisdom. Small courage will surely open the door to a great future. On the path walked with strategic thinking and resolve, new possibilities are always waiting.