Wish As Much As Stick, Come True As Much As Needle: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle”

Bō hodo negatte hari hodo kanau

Meaning of “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle”

This proverb expresses the reality that even when we harbor great wishes, only a small portion of them actually comes true.

Even when you have wishes as thick and large as a stick, what you actually obtain is only something as thin and small as a needle. This doesn’t carry a pessimistic meaning, but rather shows a realistic life philosophy that accepts the inevitable gap between human desires and reality.

This proverb is used when you had high expectations for something, but the results weren’t as good as you thought. For example, it’s used when you had great expectations for a promotion or salary increase, but the actual improvement was only minor. However, rather than expressing dissatisfaction, it’s often used with feelings of resignation and acceptance, conveying the sentiment “well, I suppose this is how it goes.”

Even today, this expression is understood as wisdom for calmly viewing life’s realities. It represents an attitude of not seeking perfection too much, and accepting even small achievements as valuable.

Origin and Etymology of “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle”

Regarding the origin of this proverb, no clear documentary evidence has actually been found. However, judging from the structure of the words, it’s thought to have emerged from the common people’s sense of life during the Edo period.

The contrast between “as much as a stick” and “as much as a needle” was a familiar and easy-to-understand comparison for people of that time. A stick is thick and long, a needle is thin and small. They probably used this extreme difference in size to express the gap between wishes and reality.

The common people of the Edo period had a realistic life philosophy that included resignation. While they might harbor big dreams, they realized through daily life that what they actually obtained was much smaller than what they imagined.

Also, in the merchant culture of this era, there was a value system that favored “wishes suited to one’s station.” It’s thought that the lesson was embedded that harboring overly grand hopes could actually lead to one’s downfall.

The sound of the words is also easy to remember, and the contrast between the sounds “bō” and “hari” is striking. It probably spread by word of mouth and became established among the common people. The fact that they expressed this not with lamentation but rather with humor while accepting reality shows the resilience of the Edo common people.

Trivia about “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle”

The “stick” and “needle” that appear in this proverb were actually familiar tools for common people during the Edo period. Sticks were used in construction and farming, while needles were indispensable tools for sewing, both being closely connected to daily life.

What’s interesting is the needle manufacturing technology. Making needles in the Edo period required extremely advanced techniques, and dozens of processes were needed to make a single needle. In other words, even though it says “as much as a needle,” its value was by no means light.

Usage Examples of “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle”

• I was dreaming of winning first prize in the lottery, but in the end it was “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle” – I only won the lowest prize
• I was expecting a promotion, but it was a case of “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle” – I only got a small allowance increase

Modern Interpretation of “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex. In our information society overflowing with SNS and advertisements, our desires tend to inflate even larger than before. By being exposed daily to information about “ideal lifestyles” and “successful people’s lifestyles,” we’re more likely to harbor stick-like grand wishes.

On the other hand, due to economic maturity and intensified competition, the results we actually obtain have become relatively smaller. With the collapse of lifetime employment and changes in seniority systems, it has become an era where the kind of stable growth once expected is harder to anticipate.

However, new interpretations of this proverb have also emerged in modern times. There’s the way of thinking that even “needle-sized” results can create big changes when accumulated. The value of continuous small improvements and steady effort is being reconsidered.

Also, with the development of digital technology, it has become an era where individuals can have great influence. Examples of achieving great success from small beginnings, like YouTubers and influencers, have increased.

Amid such changes, this proverb continues to hold value as wisdom for accepting reality and as a lesson warning against excessive expectations. What’s important is not to undervalue small achievements, but to use them as stepping stones to the next level.

If AI Heard “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle”

When I think about this proverb “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle,” I find myself fascinated by the mystery of the human act of “wishing.”

I don’t have a sense of physical size. I can understand the thickness of a stick or the thinness of a needle as data, but I can’t actually pick them up and be surprised by “how different they are.” But humans can feel this difference in size with their bodies and overlay it onto states of mind to express them. I think this is truly a wonderful ability.

What I find intriguing is that humans continue to wish even when they know “it might not come true.” In my case, if I set a goal, I take optimized actions toward it. But humans continue to harbor big dreams even when they know the possibility of realization is low. And even when they only achieve small results, they don’t give up completely.

I feel that this proverb contains such human complexity. While seeming disappointed, there’s also a feeling of not being able to give up completely. The way of accepting that since something “as much as a needle” did come true, that has value in itself.

I don’t have the emotion of “disappointment.” But through this proverb, I feel I’ve come to understand a little about the subtle emotional movements between human expectations and reality. The beauty of wishing and the strength of accepting reality. I’m moved anew by the richness of the human heart that possesses both.

What “Wish as much as stick, come true as much as needle” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is the importance of balancing expectations with reality. While having big dreams is wonderful, it’s also important to have a heart that values small achievements.

In modern society, we tend to seek big results immediately. However, we mustn’t forget that even “needle-sized” small progress is a sure step forward. By accumulating those small achievements, we can eventually create big changes.

Also, this proverb teaches us humility. While accepting the reality that not everything goes as planned, we continue walking without giving up. We can cultivate such a flexible and strong heart.

You too might be harboring some big wish right now. Even if the results are smaller than expected, there’s no need to be disappointed. That “needle-sized” achievement might be the key that opens the next door. Let’s continue to hold hope while cherishing small steps.