1.
cleaning up after someone; fixing someone else's mess; taking responsibility for another's mistakes
The act of dealing with problems or consequences caused by someone else's failures or irresponsibility.
Literally means "wiping someone's rear." A vivid metaphor for doing the unpleasant cleanup work that someone else should have done. Always carries a tone of frustration or complaint.
Common collocations
- 尻拭いをする: to clean up someone's mess
- 尻拭いをさせられる: to be forced to clean up someone's mess
- 尻拭い役: the person who cleans up after others
- 人の尻拭い: cleaning up after someone else
Usage
Very commonly used in workplace contexts. The speaker is typically someone subordinate or equal who has to deal with the consequences of someone else's poor work or irresponsibility. The expression is colloquial but not vulgar — it is acceptable in most informal settings.
Similar words
- 後始末: cleanup, dealing with aftermath — more neutral; can refer to cleaning up your own mess too
- 穴埋め: filling a gap, covering for someone — focuses on compensating for what's missing