二足(にそく)のわらじ

Literally "two pairs of straw sandals." The full expression is 二足(にそく)のわらじを履(は)く (to wear two pairs of sandals). Originates from the Edo period, when it was said that a person could not wear sandals for two different roles at the same time — specifically, a gambler could not also serve as a constable.

Common patterns

• AとBの二足(にそく)のわらじを履(は)く: to hold the dual roles of A and B
• 二足(にそく)のわらじで活躍(かつやく)する: to be active in two roles

Usage

In modern usage, the expression has largely lost its negative connotation. It is now used admiringly to describe someone who successfully balances two demanding roles. The original proverb implied that trying to do two things at once meant neither would be done well.

Similar words

• 兼業(けんぎょう): side job, dual occupation — a more formal and neutral way to describe having two jobs
• 副業(ふくぎょう): side business — specifically a secondary job alongside a main job
• 二刀流(にとうりゅう): two-sword style — used for someone excelling in two fields (popularized by baseball player Ohtani Shohei)