鶴(つる)の一声(ひとこえ)

つるのひとこえ
expression
the decisive word of an authority figure
idiomwork
1. the decisive word of an authority figure
Literally 'one call of the crane.' A single word from a powerful person that settles a matter others had been arguing over.
社長(しゃちょう)の鶴(つる)の一声(ひとこえ)で決(き)まった。
It was settled by a single word from the president.
議論(ぎろん)が長引(ながび)いたが、部長(ぶちょう)の鶴(つる)の一声(ひとこえ)で終(お)わった。
The discussion dragged on until one word from the department head ended it.
反対意見(はんたいいけん)も多(おお)かったが、会長(かいちょう)の鶴(つる)の一声(ひとこえ)で計画(けいかく)は中止(ちゅうし)になった。
There was plenty of opposition, but the chairman's word was enough to cancel the plan.

Etymology

The crane's loud call silences all the other birds. The fuller saying contrasts it with 雀(すずめ)の千声(せんこえ), a thousand chirps from sparrows.

Common patterns

Usage

Common about companies, families and politics. It can carry a hint of criticism that the decision bypassed discussion.

general
Added 2026.10.5 10:58 · Revised 2026.10.5 10:59
31500/31602_tsurunohitokoe