白羽(しらは)の矢(や)が立(た)つ

しらはのやがたつ
expression
to be singled out (for a task or role)
idiomwork
1. to be singled out (for a task or role)
To be the one chosen out of many for a task, post or role. Today it is usually neutral or positive.
彼(かれ)に白羽(しらは)の矢(や)が立(た)った。
He was the one singled out.
新(あたら)しいリーダーとして山田(やまだ)さんに白羽(しらは)の矢(や)が立(た)った。
Yamada was chosen as the new leader.
経験(けいけん)の浅(あさ)い私(わたし)になぜ白羽(しらは)の矢(や)が立(た)ったのか、今(いま)でも分(わ)からない。
I still don't know why I, with so little experience, was the one picked.

Etymology

From a legend in which a god demanding a maiden as a sacrifice shot a white-feathered arrow into the roof of the chosen girl's house.

Common patterns

Watch out

白羽(しらは)の矢(や)が当(あ)たる is a common slip; the standard form is 立(た)つ.

general
Added 2026.10.5 10:57 · Revised 2026.10.5 10:59
31500/31595_shirahanoyagatatsu