猿(さる)も木(き)から落(お)ちる

さるもきからおちる

expression

even monkeys fall from trees; even experts make mistakes

1. even experts make mistakes

A proverb meaning that even those who are skilled or experienced can make errors. Comparable to 'even Homer nods' or 'nobody's perfect.'

I can't believe that master made a mistake. Even monkeys fall from trees, I guess.

猿(さる)も木(き)から落(お)ちるというから、油断(ゆだん)しないで。

As they say, even monkeys fall from trees, so don't let your guard down.

Even she makes mistakes sometimes. Nobody's perfect.

Monkeys are known for their agility in climbing trees, yet even they sometimes fall. By extension, even the most skilled people can make mistakes.

Used to comfort someone who has made an unexpected error, or as a reminder to stay humble and not be overconfident.

Often used with という or というように when citing the proverb.

弘法(こうぼう)も筆(ふで)の誤(あやま)り: Even Kobo (a master calligrapher) makes mistakes with the brush
河童(かっぱ)の川流(かわなが)れ: Even kappa (water creatures) can be swept away

Related Words

general

Added 2026.1.17 13:09 · Revised 2026.10.7 9:23

06000/06140_sarumokikaraochiru