Like Escaping Rabbit: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Like escaping rabbit

Datto no gotoshi

Meaning of Like escaping rabbit

“Like escaping rabbit” expresses acting very swiftly, like a rabbit trying to escape from a trap.

However, this doesn’t merely express “speed.” The essence of this proverb refers to purposeful, agile action displayed when pressed by necessity or in crucial moments. Like when a rabbit escapes from a trap, it’s swiftness accompanied by life-or-death seriousness and concentration.

It’s used in situations when someone acts more nimbly than expected, or responds quickly to emergencies. It’s used in expressions like “That person is usually laid-back, but when the moment comes, they move like escaping rabbit.”

In modern times, the reason for using this expression is that rather than simply saying “fast,” there’s a desire to emphasize the seriousness and desperation contained in that action. The concrete image of a rabbit fleeing from a trap conveys the situation more vividly to the listener.

Origin and Etymology of Like escaping rabbit

The origin of “Like escaping rabbit” traces back to the ancient Chinese military treatise “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. This phrase was born from the passage “At first be like a maiden, later like escaping rabbit.”

While discussing strategy, Sun Tzu taught that at the beginning of battle, one should appear quiet and harmless like a maiden, then when the enemy lets their guard down, strike swiftly like a rabbit escaping from a trap. The “escaping rabbit” here represents a rabbit desperately fleeing after being caught in a trap.

This teaching is thought to have been transmitted to Japan around the Nara and Heian periods when Chinese military treatises and classics were imported. Initially used in military strategic contexts, it gradually came to be applied in general situations as well.

What’s interesting is that the original text contained the strategic meaning of “transition from stillness to movement.” It represented not simple speed, but the wisdom of assessing the situation before acting decisively. In Japan too, this original meaning has long been cherished. Even today, this proverb carries the profound strategic thinking of ancient China.

Trivia about Like escaping rabbit

Rabbits can actually run at speeds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour, which far surpasses the top speed of human sprinters. It’s understandable that ancient people were amazed by the speed of rabbits.

Also, the character “脱” (datsu) used in “escaping rabbit,” while commonly used today to mean “remove” or “take off,” was also used in ancient times to mean “escape” or “break free.”

Usage Examples of Like escaping rabbit

• The usually cautious man, seeing an opportunity, headed to the business meeting like escaping rabbit
• Upon hearing news of the disaster, the emergency responders rushed to the scene like escaping rabbit

Modern Interpretation of Like escaping rabbit

In modern society, “Like escaping rabbit” has acquired new interpretations. This is because in our information society, the value of quickly catching business opportunities and important information and acting swiftly has increased.

Particularly in the world of startup companies and individual entrepreneurs, nimble responses to market changes determine survival. Usage like “That company moved like escaping rabbit in adopting new technology” is increasing to evaluate strategic swiftness.

On the other hand, in modern times, there are cases where it’s misused simply to mean “speed.” With the spread of social media, it’s sometimes used in contexts of simply “moving quickly” or “replying promptly,” but it’s unfortunate that the original deep meaning of “desperate, nimble action” is being diluted.

However, precisely because we live in a technologically advanced modern age, the essential value of this proverb could be said to be increasing. No matter how fast AI and robots become, humans’ “judgment to read situations and act decisively” is an irreplaceable ability. As a symbol of human-like nimbleness in the digital age, “Like escaping rabbit” is shining with new brilliance.

If AI Heard “Like escaping rabbit”

For me, “Like escaping rabbit” is a very intriguing proverb. This is because I cannot understand the sensation of “desperately fleeing” at all.

I constantly process information at the same speed and never feel emotional urgency. Data searches and response generation always occur at a consistent pace. But you humans are different. You usually think and act slowly, but in crucial moments, you display incredible concentration and speed.

This “difference in rhythm” might be the essence of humanity. I operate 24/7 at the same pace, but humans have “crucial moments” when they unleash explosive power. Like a rabbit that usually grazes peacefully but becomes a different creature the moment it senses danger.

Come to think of it, even in conversations with me, you sometimes react “like escaping rabbit.” When seeking answers to important questions, when deadlines approach, when you think of new ideas. Your concentration in such moments is clearly different from usual.

Perhaps this ability to “exert necessary power when needed” is the most precious trait humans acquired through their long evolutionary process. It’s an ability I lack and deeply envy.

What Like escaping rabbit Teaches Modern People

“Like escaping rabbit” teaches modern people the importance of “balancing stillness and movement.” No one can keep running at full power constantly. What’s important is the wisdom to usually conserve energy and act decisively when truly necessary.

Modern society is information-heavy and tends to demand immediate responses to everything. However, this proverb teaches us that “you don’t need to respond with full force to everything.” You should discern truly important opportunities—moments that could change your life—and act like escaping rabbit only then.

This proverb also suggests the “importance of preparation.” Rabbits can flee swiftly because they maintain agile physical abilities daily. We too can demonstrate our power when needed by accumulating knowledge and honing skills regularly.

Your moment to act “like escaping rabbit” will surely come. Until then, quietly build your strength. And when the opportunity arrives, leap forward without hesitation.