火(ひ)の粉(こ)

ひのこ
noun
sparks, embers
1. sparks, flying embers
Small particles of burning material that fly through the air from a fire. Also used figuratively for trouble or conflict that spreads to or affects uninvolved parties.
火(ひ)の粉(こ)が舞(ま)い上(あ)がった。
Sparks flew up into the air.
風(かぜ)で火(ひ)の粉(こ)が隣(となり)の家(いえ)まで飛(と)んできた。
The wind carried sparks all the way to the neighboring house.
降(ふ)りかかる火(ひ)の粉(こ)は払(はら)わなければならない。
You have to brush off the sparks that fall on you.
A proverbial expression meaning one must deal with trouble that comes one's way.

Usage

Often used figuratively in the expression 降(ふ)りかかる火(ひ)の粉(こ)は払(はら)わなければならない, meaning "you must deal with trouble that comes your way" — i.e., you cannot ignore problems that affect you even if you did not cause them.

The figurative use of 火(ひ)の粉(こ) refers to the fallout or collateral effects of someone else's conflict or scandal reaching you.

Common collocations

general
Added 2026.2.24 21:41 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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