1.
the future is unpredictable; you never know what lies ahead; one inch ahead is darkness
A proverb meaning that even the very near future is impossible to foresee. Literally 'one sun (about 3 cm) ahead is darkness.' Used to express that anything can happen and one should be prepared for the unexpected.
一寸先は闇だ。
The future is unpredictable.
人生は一寸先は闇だから、油断できない。
Life is unpredictable, so you can't let your guard down.
順調に見えた事業が突然倒産した。まさに一寸先は闇だ。
The business that seemed to be going well suddenly went bankrupt. You truly never know what lies ahead.
A well-known Japanese proverb (諺). 一寸 is an old unit of measurement (about 3 cm), so the literal meaning is 'even 3 cm ahead is total darkness.' Often used in politics — a classic quote in Japanese political commentary. Frequently invoked after unexpected events such as natural disasters, sudden illness, or business failures. Sometimes shortened to just 一寸先は闇 without a verb, functioning as a standalone statement.