1.
superfluous addition; something unnecessary
An unnecessary addition that spoils or detracts from what was already complete. From a Chinese fable in which a man, having drawn a snake faster than anyone else, ruined his picture by adding legs to it. Literally 'snake legs.'
Usage
蛇足 is often used as a polite hedge before adding a comment the speaker suspects may be unnecessary. The phrase 蛇足ながら or 蛇足かもしれないが serves as a softener. It is common in writing and formal speech.
Etymology
From a Chinese fable (故事成語) in which contestants raced to draw a snake. The winner finished first but then added legs, disqualifying his entry. The moral: do not ruin a good thing by adding what is not needed.
Common collocations
- 蛇足ながら (at the risk of being superfluous)
- 蛇足を加える (add something unnecessary)
- 蛇足になるが (this may be superfluous, but)
Similar words
余計 means 'extra' or 'unnecessary' in everyday language. 蛇足 is more literary and specifically implies ruining something good by overdoing it.
Related Words
Synonym:
余計 (extra; unnecessary; everyday)