How to Read “掉尾の勇を奮う”
Tōbi no yū wo furuu
Meaning of “掉尾の勇を奮う”
“Tail end’s courage rouse” means to exert greater power than ever before in the final stages of something.
This proverb is used in situations where special strength is shown in the final phase. It doesn’t simply mean persevering until the end, but rather expresses the special strength that is unleashed precisely because it is the end. In sports terms, this would apply to an amazing comeback shown just before the end of a match, or the heightened concentration displayed in the final stages of a long-term project.
The reason for using this expression is to praise the wonderful potential that humans show in their final moments. The power exerted when cornered or when there’s no way back is qualitatively different from ordinary strength. It’s not calculated power, but instinctive strength that wells up from within.
Even today, we witness this phenomenon in various situations: concentration just before a deadline, an athlete’s performance in their retirement match, or the final push before an exam. This proverb teaches us that humans are beings capable of exerting surprising strength even to themselves in their final moments.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Tail end’s courage rouse” lies in the expression “tail end’s force” recorded in the ancient Chinese classic “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shiji). This “tail end” refers to the way strong animals like dragons and tigers swing their tails.
In the “Records of the Grand Historian,” it is recorded that when a dragon finally swings its tail, the strength is most intense, and its force is immeasurable. In ancient China, dragons were symbols of sacred and powerful beings. The final swing of such a dragon’s tail must have been more intense and impressive than any previous movement.
This expression is thought to have been transmitted to Japan from the Heian period onward, when Chinese literature flourished. Initially it was used as “tail end’s force,” but over time it became connected with the expression “rouse courage,” evolving into its current form.
What’s interesting is that the word “tail end” doesn’t simply mean an ending, but includes the meaning of “the most powerful part” or “climax.” The destructively powerful strength of a dragon’s tail is at the heart of this proverb. The awe that ancient people felt toward dragons has become the source of strength for this expression that continues to this day.
Interesting Facts
The reason a dragon’s tail is considered most powerful actually makes sense from a physics standpoint. With whip-like elongated objects, speed increases toward the tip, and destructive power increases accordingly. Ancient people may have understood this phenomenon through experience.
The character “掉” in “tail end” originally means “to shake off” or “to move violently.” It expresses not simply moving the tail, but violent motion as if shaking something off.
Usage Examples
- He roused tail end’s courage in his final year and successfully passed his first-choice school
- The team that had been struggling for years roused tail end’s courage in the final part of the season and joined the championship race
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “Tail end’s courage rouse” has come to have more complex meanings. In our information society, we tend to constantly demand efficiency and systematic planning, but the “final explosive power” shown by this proverb represents essential human capabilities that transcend such rationality.
With technological advancement, many tasks have become automated, and human roles have changed as well. However, in areas like creativity, breakthrough power, and that final push, there are still many things only humans can do. There are numerous situations in modern times where “tail end’s courage” is displayed: a startup’s final funding round, a researcher’s concentration before a paper deadline, an artist’s obsession with completing their work.
On the other hand, from the perspective of modern work-life balance and sustainability-focused values, the idea of forcing oneself to summon strength at the end can sometimes seem outdated. There’s also a trend that favors proceeding systematically to avoid last-minute panic.
However, life brings unexpected difficulties and moments we simply cannot compromise on. The “tail end’s courage” displayed in such times is precious strength that shows human dignity and potential. As an expression of humanity that cannot be measured by efficiency alone, this proverb continues to hold great meaning in modern times.
When AI Hears This
When a lizard severs its tail, an extraordinary physiological phenomenon occurs within its body. It generates three times the normal muscle contraction force while instantly constricting blood vessels to minimize bleeding. This “hidden ability that emerges at the brink of survival” exists in humans through the exact same mechanism, as proven by neuroscience research.
When humans face desperate situations, massive releases of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the brain boost normal muscle strength by 30-40%. Even more fascinating is how the prefrontal cortex’s inhibitory functions temporarily weaken, unleashing latent abilities that are normally sealed away by our “that’s impossible” judgments. This is the true nature of superhuman strength in crisis situations.
Psychology’s “deadline effect” can be explained by the same principle. Work efficiency skyrockets just before deadlines because the sense of crisis activates the brain’s reward system, maximizing concentration. Research actually shows that creativity nearly doubles under moderate pressure compared to normal conditions.
What ancient people gleaned from observing lizards cutting off their tails wasn’t simply “a final burst of effort.” They had identified the biological system for unleashing latent abilities as life’s “ultimate option.” Their insight in detecting humanity’s ability awakening mechanisms through animal observation alone—mechanisms that modern science has only recently decoded—is nothing short of astounding.
Lessons for Today
What “Tail end’s courage rouse” teaches us today is that human potential remains unknown until the very end. Even when you feel limited by your usual capabilities, in truly important moments, you can exert unimaginable strength.
In modern society, early preparation and systematic progress tend to be emphasized, but unexpected difficulties and final showdowns will inevitably come. What’s important in such times is to continue holding onto the hope that “there must be something more I can do.”
This proverb teaches us the opposite of giving up. Precisely because it’s the end, special power can emerge. Precisely because it’s the final phase, new possibilities can be seen. By believing this, the power sleeping within you might awaken.
In various situations in life, there will be moments when you think “this might be hopeless.” But those are exactly the times to display “tail end’s courage.” Believing in yourself until the end and giving everything you have. That attitude creates the most beautiful moments of being human.
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