1.
to become defiant; to brazenly stand one's ground
to stop apologizing and defiantly assert oneself, often when caught doing something wrong
彼は非を認めず開き直った。
He wouldn't admit his fault and became defiant.
開き直って「悪いか」と言った。
He defiantly said, 'So what?'
謝るかと思ったら開き直ってきた。
I thought they would apologize, but instead they got defiant.
USAGE:
- 開き直る (to become defiant)
- 開き直って〜 (defiantly...)
NUANCE:
Typically negative - describes someone who, instead of apologizing when confronted about wrongdoing, becomes boldly unapologetic or aggressive. Similar to 'doubling down' in English.
CAN BE POSITIVE:
Rarely, can describe someone who stops worrying about others' opinions and confidently moves forward.
TRANSITIVITY:
Intransitive (自動詞)
RELATED:
- 居直る (similar - to turn defiant, more aggressive)
- 逆ギレ (reverse anger - getting angry when confronted)
- 開き直り (noun form - defiance)