How to Read “Once it cries, it startles people”
Ichido nakeba hito wo odorokasu
Meaning of “Once it cries, it startles people”
This proverb means that even someone who usually doesn’t stand out can achieve remarkable results that surprise everyone once they take action.
In daily life, some people are modest and don’t push themselves forward. However, such people often possess deep knowledge or excellent skills.
When they finally show their abilities at a crucial moment, they produce results far beyond what others expected. This proverb captures that situation perfectly.
People use this saying when someone thought to be ordinary suddenly achieves something wonderful. It also applies when someone who prepared for a long time finally takes action and succeeds greatly.
You can also use it to encourage someone about to take action. The proverb contains a warning too: don’t judge people only by their appearance or usual behavior.
Origin and Etymology
No clear written records explain the origin of this proverb. However, the structure of the phrase reveals an interesting background.
The word “cries” refers to sounds made by creatures like birds and insects. Many creatures in nature live quietly but produce surprisingly loud or beautiful sounds when the time comes.
For example, the plain-looking bush warbler captivates people with its magnificent song in spring. Cicadas spend many years underground, then emerge to announce summer with their powerful calls.
This proverb likely came from observing nature. Japanese people have long found life lessons in the natural world. They expressed how inconspicuous beings suddenly reveal their true worth through the act of “crying.”
The phrase “startles people” is also important. It means more than just making noise. It means achieving results impressive enough to leave a strong impact on others.
This expresses the magnitude of impact when someone with accumulated ability takes action. The contrast between usual quietness and decisive strength forms the heart of this proverb.
Usage Examples
- He was an unassuming presence since joining the company, but on the new project, once it cries, it startles people—he delivered amazing results
- That kid is usually quiet, but she’s the “once it cries, it startles people” type, so I’m excited for the recital
Universal Wisdom
This proverb has been passed down through generations because it captures a fundamental duality in human nature. We tend to judge things only by what we can see.
However, a person’s true value often doesn’t show on the surface.
Humans need time to quietly build their strength. Just as seeds develop roots underground, we need time to prepare where others can’t see. Only then can we bloom magnificently when the moment arrives.
This proverb teaches us the truth about human growth.
The proverb also represents wisdom about recognizing diverse values in society. Flashy, conspicuous people aren’t the only ones with merit. Deep thoughtfulness and solid ability often hide within modest, quiet people.
Our ancestors had eyes that didn’t overlook such people’s worth.
Furthermore, this proverb contains a message of hope. Even if you don’t stand out now, even if you’re not recognized now, opportunities will come if you keep polishing your abilities.
And that moment is when you show your true worth. This universal truth continues to resonate with people across time.
When AI Hears This
In information theory, the higher the ratio of meaningful signal to noise, the more valuable the message becomes. Imagine someone who tweets 100 times daily versus someone who speaks once a year.
Each message from the former carries only 1/100th of the weight for receivers. The latter commands 100% attention. Lower transmission frequency means higher information density per instance.
This aligns with the economics of scarcity. Diamonds are valuable not just for beauty but for limited quantity. Similarly, words from someone who rarely speaks are treated as scarce goods.
The receiver’s brain unconsciously judges “if this person is speaking, it must be important” and allocates maximum attention resources.
Interestingly, the silent period itself transmits information. The state of “that person hasn’t said anything yet” builds up expectations in observers. This is like potential energy in information.
Once released, the accumulated expectation energy discharges at once, creating impact many times greater than normal.
The tendency for influential people on modern social media to post less frequently may reflect an instinctive understanding of this principle.
Lessons for Today
Modern society seems to demand constant broadcasting. Social media encourages daily activity reports. Workplaces recommend active self-promotion.
However, this proverb teaches us there’s another path.
If you feel like an inconspicuous presence now, that’s not necessarily bad. Rather, you can use this time to polish your abilities. Try viewing it as a precious period to focus on your growth without worrying about others’ evaluations.
What matters is what you do during quiet times. Don’t spend time on superficial appeals. Instead, acquire essential skills. Don’t follow trends blindly. Dig deeply into the path you believe in.
Such steady effort becomes great power when the crucial moment arrives.
And when opportunity comes, have the courage to act without hesitation. If you’re prepared, your single voice will surely startle those around you.
Don’t rush, but wait steadily for your moment. When it comes, cry out with all your might.
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