虻(あぶ)蜂(はち)取(と)らず

あぶはちとらず
expression
grasp all, lose all; falling between two stools
idiom
1. failing to get either by trying to get both
A proverb warning against trying to pursue two goals at once and ending up with neither. Similar to 'falling between two stools.'
二(ふた)つの仕事(しごと)を同時(どうじ)にやろうとして虻(あぶ)蜂(はち)取(と)らずになった。
I tried to do two jobs at once and ended up failing at both.
欲張(よくば)ると虻(あぶ)蜂(はち)取(と)らずになるよ。
If you're too greedy, you'll end up with nothing.
虻(あぶ)蜂(はち)取(と)らずにならないように、一(ひと)つに集中(しゅうちゅう)しよう。
Let's focus on one thing so we don't end up with neither.

Proverb meaning

Literally: 'Catching neither the horsefly nor the bee.' The image is of someone trying to catch both a horsefly (虻(あぶ)) and a bee (蜂(はち)) at the same time, but failing to catch either one.

Etymology

This proverb comes from the idea that if you're distracted trying to get multiple things, you'll lose focus and miss all of them.

Usage

Used as a warning against greed, divided attention, or trying to pursue too many goals simultaneously.

English equivalents

  • Grasp all, lose all
  • Fall between two stools
  • A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (similar theme)
  • Between two stools, one falls to the ground

Similar japanese expressions

Related Words

Compare: 二兎(にと)を追(お)う者(もの)は一兎(いっと)をも得(え)ず (He who chases two rabbits catches…)
general
Added 2026.1.17 17:47 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
06000/06293_abuhachitorazu