[Japanese Idioms by Flashcards]
雲をつかむよう
“like grasping a cloud”
(wishful thinking, impossible dream)
Since nobody can actually grasp a cloud, the expression denotes impossibility. From afar, a cloud has shape and form. Close-up, its gossamer essence dissipates at the touch. So when a not-so-talented sixteen-year-old declares that she’s going to become a movie star, you can respond by saying it’s a kumo o tsukamu yoona dream – a mild warning that the ambition or goal is highly unlikely to be realized.
Sample text:
(Style: spoken/casual/A=son, B=mother)
A: Sakkyokuka ni naroo ka na.
B: Sonna kumo o tsukamu yoona koto bakari kangoeteiru kara itsu made tatte mo hitoridachi dekinai n desu yo.
A:
B:そんな雲をつかむようなことばかり考えているからいつまでたってもひとりだちできないんですよ。
A: You know, maybe I’ll become a composer.
B: (Scolding) All you ever think about is impossible dreams like that! No wonder you’ve never been able to become financially independent.
Japanese Idioms
