犬も歩けば棒に当たる

いぬもあるけばぼうにあたる
Alternative writings: 犬も歩けば棒に当る, 犬もあるけば棒に当たる
Frequency:
1

A proverb meaning that when you act or go about doing things you may encounter misfortune or trouble — i.e., doing something can lead to bad outcomes (a warning usage).

ExpressionU-VerbProverb

Examples

夜遅く一人で出歩くなと言われた。『犬も歩けば棒に当たる』だからね。

I was told not to go out alone late at night. 'If a dog walks it may hit a stick,' you know.

無計画に動くとトラブルに巻き込まれる。『犬も歩けば棒に当たる』ということだ。

If you act without planning you'll get into trouble. It's the 'a dog that walks may hit a stick' idea.

子どもを外で遊ばせるときは危険があるから注意するように言った。犬も歩けば棒に当たるから。

I told them to watch their kids when they play outside because there are dangers — a dog that walks may hit a stick.

2

A proverb meaning that by taking action you may unexpectedly encounter good luck — i.e., doing things can bring fortunate results (an optimistic usage).

ExpressionU-VerbProverb

Examples

新しい仕事に挑戦してみたら、思わぬチャンスが来た。犬も歩けば棒に当たるね。

I tried a new job and an unexpected opportunity came up. A dog that walks may hit a stick, huh.

失敗を恐れず行動すれば、いいことがあるかもしれない。犬も歩けば棒に当たるだよ。

If you act without fearing failure, good things may happen. It's the 'a dog that walks may hit a stick' notion.

散歩の途中で旧友にばったり会った。まさに犬も歩けば棒に当たる。

I ran into an old friend on a walk. It was exactly a case of 'a dog that walks may hit a stick.'