How to Read “目の上の瘤”
Me no ue no kobu
Meaning of “目の上の瘤”
“Bump above eye” refers to a person who holds a higher position or status than oneself and who becomes an obstacle or source of annoyance.
This expression is often used in workplace or organizational human relationships. For example, it’s used when a direct supervisor or senior colleague prevents you from proceeding with work as you wish, or constantly keeps a watchful eye on you. What’s important is that this person is in a position above you. It’s not used for colleagues or juniors.
The reason for using this expression is that just as a bump above the eye constantly enters your field of vision and gets in the way, that person’s presence is constantly on your mind and feels bothersome. A bump doesn’t cause pain, but it creates discomfort by obstructing your vision. Similarly, it carries the subtle nuance that the person isn’t necessarily bad, but they are an inconvenient presence for you. Even today, the aptness of this proverb is understood when expressing bothersome superiors within organizations.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Bump above eye” comes from the literal condition of having a bump above the eye.
When a bump forms above the eye, it obstructs vision and becomes very bothersome. The bump itself isn’t a disease, but because it continuously remains in your field of vision, it becomes a very troublesome presence in daily life. This physical discomfort came to be used as a metaphor for annoyance in human relationships.
Since this expression can be found in Edo period literature, it’s considered a proverb that has been used for quite a long time. For people of that era, when medical technology wasn’t advanced, a bump above the eye was a troublesome thing that couldn’t be easily removed. Therefore, the meaning of being a bothersome presence that you want to remove but can’t was probably felt more strongly.
The background to this proverb’s establishment lies in the delicate sensory expressions of Japanese people. Rather than directly saying “annoying person,” by comparing it to a physical ailment, it shows consideration for the other party while accurately expressing that annoyance – a characteristic feature of Japanese language. Metaphors using easily visualized body parts are very easy for listeners to understand, which is why they have been beloved for so long.
Interesting Facts
Medically, bumps that form above the eye are sometimes called “eyelid tumors.” While they can be easily removed with simple surgery today, for people in the Edo period, they were bothersome things they had to live with for life. Therefore, the sense of “wanting to remove but unable to remove” in this proverb was probably more pressing for people of that time.
Interestingly, because bumps grow slowly, once they form, they continue to remain in that location for long periods. This is also similar to the “Bump above eye” in human relationships. Bothersome bosses or seniors don’t disappear quickly either, and such relationships often continue for long periods.
Usage Examples
- Ever since the new department manager arrived, everything gets checked in detail – he’s truly a bump above eye
- That senior is capable at work, but constantly interferes with everything, so they’re a bump above eye
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “Bump above eye” has become more complex. In traditional vertical societies, it referred to bothersome bosses within clear hierarchical relationships, but currently, due to flat organizational structures and diverse working styles, this relationship has also changed.
Particularly in IT companies and startups, where meritocracy is emphasized regardless of age or years of experience, there are increasing situations where the traditional definition of “Bump above eye” doesn’t apply. Rather, even if not a direct supervisor, project leaders or influential people from other departments can become a “Bump above eye.”
Also, with the spread of remote work, many people have come to feel constantly monitored through online meetings and chat tools, even with physical distance. The digital age “Bump above eye” can manifest not as physical presence, but as psychological pressure through notifications and messages.
On the other hand, with growing awareness of power harassment, caution is needed when using this proverb. Expressions that were used as mere complaints can sometimes be perceived as signs of workplace environment problems. In modern times, communication methods to improve relationships that feel like a “Bump above eye” and organizational management innovations are considered important.
When AI Hears This
Tumors that develop on the eyelids are extremely troublesome from a medical perspective. Even a small bump just a few millimeters in size causes discomfort with every blink and constantly obstructs part of the visual field. Upper eyelid tumors are particularly prone to drooping due to gravity, continuously casting dark shadows over the upper portion of one’s vision.
What’s fascinating is the structural uniqueness of the eye. The eyeball is one of the most sensitive organs in the human body, capable of producing intense discomfort from something as minor as a single hair touching it. When a foreign object exists directly above this ultra-high-sensitivity sensor, the brain has no choice but to constantly remain aware of its presence. In other words, a state of “being unable to forget even when you want to” is physically created.
Even more remarkable is the psychological impact caused by eyelid tumors. Having a foreign object constantly appearing in one’s visual field diminishes concentration and builds up irritation. This is a phenomenon that can be explained through brain science: extra energy is consumed in processing visual information, leading to accumulated mental fatigue.
The creator of this proverb likely had actual experience suffering from an eyelid tumor. The exquisite alignment between physical discomfort and psychological pressure possesses a precision that could only be expressed by someone who had lived through it. This represents a rare masterpiece in linguistic history where medical facts and emotional expression overlap perfectly.
Lessons for Today
The proverb “Bump above eye” teaches modern people important things about how to handle human relationships.
First, people who feel bothersome don’t necessarily have malicious intent. The actions of bosses and seniors are, in many cases, based on a sense of responsibility and experience. Having this perspective can help avoid emotional conflicts and provide hints for building constructive relationships.
Also, this proverb expresses the subtle emotion of “not wanting to completely eliminate them.” Modern society requires cooperating with people you find difficult to achieve results. Rather than viewing others as enemies, it’s important to have the flexibility to accept them as “bothersome but necessary presences.”
And above all, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on whether we ourselves might be someone’s “Bump above eye.” Things we do with good intentions might feel bothersome to others. By developing the habit of thinking from others’ perspectives, we can build better human relationships. The wisdom for living in modern society lies in accepting the complexity of human relationships while maintaining an attitude of mutual respect.
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