1.
old wound; old scar
A physical wound or scar from the past that has healed but may still cause occasional pain or discomfort.
古傷が痛む。
My old wound aches.
雨の日は古傷がうずくことがある。
On rainy days, old wounds sometimes throb.
手術の古傷が季節の変わり目になると痛み出す。
The old scar from surgery starts hurting at the change of seasons.
2.
past disgrace; old scandal; skeleton in the closet
A past mistake, scandal, or shameful event that one would rather keep hidden. Figurative usage.
古傷をえぐられた気分だ。
It feels like an old wound has been reopened.
政治家の古傷が週刊誌に暴かれた。
The politician's past scandal was exposed by a weekly magazine.
誰にでも触れられたくない古傷の一つや二つはあるものだ。
Everyone has one or two old wounds they don't want touched.
USAGE:
In the literal sense, often used to describe scars or injuries that flare up in bad weather or at the change of seasons. In the figurative sense, refers to past mistakes or scandals, especially ones that can be used against someone. The expression 古傷をえぐる means "to reopen old wounds" or "to bring up painful past events."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 古傷が痛む (an old wound aches)
- 古傷がうずく (an old wound throbs)
- 古傷をえぐる (to reopen old wounds)
- 古傷を暴く (to expose past scandals)