KANAE
282Japanese idiom 四字熟語

三日坊主

Mikka bōzu

“A three-day monk.”

The meaning

The one who drops the robe on the third morning: the phrase affectionately mocks our flash resolutions. The known cure — aim so small that quitting would be harder than continuing.

At the origin

A popular expression, entirely secular in use, for enthusiasms without a morrow.

The characters

In practice

Shrink your new habit to two minutes a day — the fourth day will be yours.

Themes

Similar proverbs

Related expressions

See also