1.
you reap what you sow; suffering the consequences of your own actions; brought it on yourself
A proverb meaning that one's misfortune or suffering is the result of one's own past behavior or mistakes. Literally, rust that comes from the blade itself.
身から出た錆だから、仕方がない。
You brought it on yourself, so there's nothing to be done.
借金で苦しんでいるのは身から出た錆だ。
Suffering from debt is a problem of your own making.
嘘をつき続けた結果、信用を失ったのは身から出た錆というものだ。
Losing people's trust as a result of continued lying is a classic case of reaping what you sow.
A well-known proverb. The metaphor comes from a sword: if a blade is not properly cared for, rust (錆) emerges from the metal of the blade itself (身), not from an external source. Similarly, one's own troubles come from within — from one's own behavior.
USAGE:
Typically used as a predicate with だ, or in the pattern ～は身から出た錆だ. Often spoken with a tone of resigned acceptance or mild reproach. Can sound harsh when directed at others, so it is frequently used about oneself or in general commentary.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 自業自得: reaping what you sow — a more concise four-character compound with the same meaning, from Buddhist teaching
- 因果応報: karmic retribution — similar idea but more formal and philosophical; can also refer to good deeds being rewarded
- 自分の蒔いた種: the seeds one has sown — another metaphor for suffering the consequences of one's own actions