How to Read “虎に翼”
Tora ni tsubasa
Meaning of “虎に翼”
“Tiger with wings” is a proverb that describes how someone who already possesses tremendous power becomes an uncontrollable threat when they gain even more power.
This proverb is never used in a positive sense. It warns of the danger when an already overwhelmingly strong entity acquires additional weapons or abilities. If a tiger, the strongest beast on land, were to gain the power of flight, it would become a terrifying existence that no one could stand against.
It is used in situations where those in power seek to gain even more authority, or when those already in advantageous positions try to obtain more favorable conditions. It’s also used when expressing concern that the strong becoming even stronger will upset the balance with their surroundings. Even in modern times, this expression is used to express crisis about the expansion of large corporations’ monopolistic positions or the concentration of power.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Tiger with wings” traces back to Chinese classics. This expression was originally used in contexts warning of the danger when something already strong gains even more power.
Tigers have long been feared as the king of beasts, and their strength was considered absolute. What would happen if such a tiger grew wings? The strongest beast on land would be able to roam freely through the skies as well. This would be nothing but a threat to other animals.
This expression came to Japan along with Chinese classical literature, and traces of it can be found in Heian period documents. In the aristocratic society of that time, it’s believed to have been used to express wariness about those in power gaining even more strength.
What’s interesting is that this expression doesn’t simply mean “the strong becoming stronger,” but includes the danger and threat inherent in that situation. A tiger’s strength is limited to the ground, which is why other creatures have room to survive. But a tiger with wings would become an entity that no one could control.
Against this background, “Tiger with wings” became established as a proverb expressing not mere enhancement of power, but dangerous situations that upset balance.
Interesting Facts
Tigers are actually known as animals that are good at swimming. While many feline animals dislike water, tigers sometimes hunt in rivers and lakes, truly demonstrating their strength not only on land but also in water.
The reason “wings” were chosen for this proverb might be because the sky was the last domain beyond the tiger’s control. If ancient people had known about tigers’ swimming abilities, the expression “Tiger with wings” might have been received as an even more urgent warning.
Usage Examples
- If that company gets hold of new technology too, it would truly be a tiger with wings
- He already has talent, and now he’s gaining financial resources too – it’s like a tiger with wings
Modern Interpretation
“Tiger with wings” holds important meaning in modern society, particularly in the business and political worlds. It’s often used to express concern about the expansion of influence when global companies acquire new markets or technologies.
In the IT industry, companies that already have huge platforms are also advancing into artificial intelligence and big data fields, creating situations where competitors cannot compete. This can truly be called a modern version of “Tiger with wings.” When one company holds overwhelming power in multiple fields, there’s a danger that healthy market competition will be hindered.
The same applies to the political world. This expression is sometimes used regarding the concentration of power or movements by organizations with vested interests trying to gain additional privileges. In democratic societies, the distribution and balance of power is important, so “Tiger with wings” situations are recognized as something to be avoided.
Interestingly, in modern times, this expression is increasingly used with the mistaken interpretation opposite to its original warning meaning – that “it’s good for the strong to become even stronger.” However, the essence of this proverb is a warning about the dangers brought by excessive concentration of power.
When AI Hears This
“A tiger with wings” describes with surprising accuracy a phenomenon occurring in today’s tech industry. Existing tech giants like GAFAM are fundamentally transforming the competitive landscape by gaining AI technology as their “wings.”
Google has evolved from simple information search to interactive knowledge provision by combining AI with its existing strength as a search engine. Amazon has added machine learning “wings” to its logistics network “tiger,” overwhelming competitors in demand forecasting and inventory management. These companies already possess foundations that would take decades for startups to build from scratch, allowing them to maximize the benefits of AI technology.
What’s fascinating is how this phenomenon embodies the Matthew Effect from economics—”the rich get richer”—but in technological terms. Even when startups develop AI technology, they can’t compete with existing giants in terms of data volume, computational resources, and talent acquisition. As a result, rather than promoting competition, technological innovation is actually accelerating market oligopolization.
The overwhelming power enhancement that ancient people expressed through “a tiger with wings” has become reality in our modern era, where existing powerhouses use technology as a weapon to gain even greater dominance.
Lessons for Today
What “Tiger with wings” teaches us modern people is that power always comes with responsibility. When you gain an advantage in some field, stop and think before seeking even more power. Is that power truly necessary?
In modern society, whether as individuals or organizations, one success can lead to the next opportunity, and before you know it, you may have great influence. It’s precisely at such times that the teaching of this proverb comes alive. Those who have power determine their relationships with their surroundings by how they use that power.
What’s important is not to fear becoming strong, but to control yourself when you become strong. Tiger with wings is dangerous because the tiger cannot control its own power. But humans have reason. We should be able to use that reason to direct power in constructive directions.
The small success you achieve today might lead to great influence tomorrow. When that time comes, choose a path where you can grow together with those around you. True strength lies in knowing how to use power in a way that makes not only yourself, but everyone happy.
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