1.
ordinary parents produce an exceptional child
Proverb: 'a kite gives birth to a hawk'. The kite is a common, plain bird and the hawk a noble one, so the saying describes a talented child born to unremarkable parents. Often said modestly by the parents themselves or jokingly by others.
Also written 鳶が鷹を産む, and 鳶 is also read とんび (鳶が鷹を生む). Usually in the past tense or as 〜ようなものだ.
Watch out
The saying praises the child but runs down the parents, so use it about your own family or in jest; said directly about someone else's parents it can sound rude.
Similar words
- 蛙の子は蛙: like father, like son — the opposite idea
Related Words
Compare:
蛙の子は蛙 (like father, like son)