1.
sudden impulse, momentary whim, spur of the moment
A sudden, unplanned urge to do something, especially something wrong or ill-advised. Often used as an excuse or explanation for impulsive wrongdoing.
出来心でやった。
I did it on impulse.
出来心で万引きしてしまった。
I shoplifted on a sudden impulse.
出来心だったとしても、犯罪は犯罪だ。
Even if it was a momentary impulse, a crime is a crime.
USAGE:
Almost always used in connection with wrongdoing — theft, cheating, lying, or other impulsive misbehavior. Commonly used as a partial excuse: 出来心で… (it was just a sudden impulse). The phrase implies the person didn't plan the action in advance.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 出来心でやる: to do something on impulse
- 出来心から: out of a sudden impulse
- 出来心だった: it was a momentary whim
ETYMOLOGY:
出来 (occurring) + 心 (heart/mind) — a feeling that suddenly arises.