How to Read “飛ぶ鳥を落とす勢い”
Tobu tori wo otosu ikioi
Meaning of “飛ぶ鳥を落とす勢い”
“Flying bird dropping momentum” is a proverb that describes a state where power or influence is extremely vigorous, possessing such tremendous force that everything goes according to one’s will.
This expression uses the metaphor that even birds flying freely through the air would fall due to a person’s momentum and power. In other words, it means that even things that would normally be unaffected become powerless in the face of someone’s overwhelming force.
It is mainly used to describe politicians, business leaders, entertainers, and other figures who have great social influence. It is used to express situations where a person’s power, popularity, or momentum is at its peak, and the people around them cannot help but be affected by that influence. Even today, it is sometimes used to describe rapidly growing company executives or entertainers who have achieved great breakthroughs. The reason for using this expression is not simply to say someone “has momentum,” but to emphasize that their momentum is so tremendous it can overturn even the laws of nature.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Flying bird dropping momentum” is thought to be related to ancient Chinese historical tales. The background of this expression reflects the values of an era when archery techniques were highly developed.
Since ancient times, shooting down birds in flight was considered the highest demonstration of archery skill. Shooting down flying birds required exceptional technique and concentration, incomparably more difficult than shooting targets on the ground. Birds move unpredictably and are easily affected by wind, making it truly an extremely difficult feat.
This expression is presumed to have been transmitted to Japan through Chinese classical literature. It likely became used to express the tremendous momentum of those in power from the Warring States period through the Edo period. For people of that time, the expression “momentum so great it can even knock down flying birds” was a very striking metaphor representing how human power could overwhelm even the natural world.
The Japanese view of nature also influenced the establishment of this proverb. Birds flying freely through the sky were symbols of unrestrained existence. The momentum to knock down even such birds must have resonated with people’s hearts as an expression of truly overwhelming power.
Usage Examples
- That politician currently has Flying bird dropping momentum and seems capable of pushing through any policy
- The up-and-coming IT company president is sweeping through the industry with Flying bird dropping momentum
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the expression “Flying bird dropping momentum” is used not only for traditional power holders but also frequently across more diverse fields. We now often hear it used to describe the new types of “momentum” in the digital age, such as influencers with social media influence, rapidly growing startup companies, and content creators who have gone viral.
Particularly noteworthy is that the duration of this momentum has become shorter than before. While past power holders could maintain their positions for long periods, in modern times, with the rapid flow of information and fierce changes in trends, “Flying bird dropping momentum” tends to be temporary. It’s not uncommon for today’s hero to be forgotten tomorrow.
Also, in modern times, there is stronger wariness toward the concentration of power. Not as many people hold simple admiration or awe for one person or organization having “Flying bird dropping momentum” as they did in the past. Rather, there is a growing awareness of trying to implement checks and balances against such overwhelming power.
Furthermore, due to globalization, having “Flying bird dropping momentum” within just one country is no longer considered true success. There is also a trend that without global influence, one cannot be recognized as having true “momentum.” Thus, while the essential meaning of the proverb remains unchanged, its scope of application and evaluation criteria have changed significantly with the times.
When AI Hears This
When we examine “the momentum to bring down flying birds” from a physics perspective, a fascinating contradiction emerges. For birds to maintain flight, lift must exceed gravity, but human “momentum” or “authority” isn’t a physical force, making it impossible to directly affect a bird’s flight.
Yet the human brain unconsciously accepts this physical impossibility. This represents a classic example of what cognitive psychology calls “magical thinking” – the tendency to process cause-and-effect relationships emotionally rather than logically. We perceive a powerful person’s presence and intimidating aura as if it were a physical “field,” creating the illusion that it actually influences the surrounding environment.
Even more intriguing is the concept of “distance” embedded in this expression. Birds exist in the air, physically beyond our reach, yet the idea that we can still “bring them down” demonstrates how we conceptualize power’s sphere of influence in three-dimensional terms. In actual physics, causing distant objects to fall requires intermediaries like electromagnetic forces or sound waves beyond gravity, but human authority possesses no such physical medium.
This paradoxical expression vividly reveals how humans perceive power as a supernatural force that transcends the laws of real physics.
Lessons for Today
What “Flying bird dropping momentum” teaches us today is the importance of how we use power. Certainly, having overwhelming momentum is attractive and something many people aspire to. However, what is truly being questioned is how that power is used.
In modern society, it has become easier than before for individuals and organizations to temporarily hold great influence. By going viral on social media or attracting attention with innovative ideas, one can gain “Flying bird dropping momentum” in a short period. But what’s important is how to make use of that momentum.
Truly valuable momentum might not be about soaring high alone, but about creating an environment where people around you can also spread their wings together. When you gain momentum in some field, it would be wonderful if you could use it not to monopolize it, but to create pathways for those who follow and guide society as a whole in a better direction.
Also, it’s important not to forget humility especially when you have momentum. Today’s success may not continue tomorrow. That’s precisely why, while we have momentum, we who live in modern times are required to discern what is truly important and build sustainable value.
Comments