fall seven times, stand up eight: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘fall seven times, stand up eight’ mean?
The idiom "fall seven times, stand up eight" means to persevere and keep getting back up even in the face of adversity or failure.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "land on one's feet" means to recover or be successful after a difficult or challenging situation. It suggests being able to adapt and find a positive outcome despite the circumstances.
The idiom "keep on trucking" means to persist or continue working hard despite difficulties or setbacks.
The idiom "keep one's head above water" means to be able to survive, manage, or cope with a difficult situation, often with great effort. It implies staying afloat or not sinking in challenging circumstances.
The idiom "keep one's chin up" means to remain cheerful and optimistic in a difficult or challenging situation. It encourages maintaining a positive attitude and not allowing oneself to be discouraged or defeated by adversity.
The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.
The idiom "keep it up" means to continue doing something with the same effort and determination. It is often used to encourage or praise someone for their persistence or hard work.
The idiom "hold together" means to stay unified, despite challenges or difficulties, and not fall apart or disintegrate.
The idiom *hold firm* means to remain determined and steadfast in one's position or belief, especially in the face of opposition or difficulties.
The idiom "hang tough" means to persevere or remain determined in difficult or challenging situations. It conveys the idea of not giving up or wavering in the face of adversity.
The idiom "hang together" means to stay united and support each other, especially during challenging or difficult times.
Unyielding Determination
The idiom "fall seven times, stand up eight" encapsulates the notion of resilience and perseverance. This popular Japanese proverb, known in Japanese as "nanakorobi yaoki," emphasizes the importance of continuing to rise after each failure. It encourages individuals to persist through adversity and never give up, emphasizing the act of standing up one more time than the number of falls. This unwavering determination to overcome challenges and maintain the will to succeed is a key virtue highlighted by the idiom.
In English-speaking cultures, the idiom has been widely adopted and adapted, with various translations and interpretations. The most commonly used translation is "fall seven times, stand up eight." However, other variants such as "fall down seven times, get up eight" and "stumble seven times, rise eight" also exist. Regardless of the exact wording, the essential meaning of resilience and perseverance remains the same.
Throughout Japanese literature, films, and popular culture, the idiom holds cultural importance, serving as a symbol of the country's collective resilience and determination. It reflects values deeply ingrained in Japanese society and resonates with people facing various challenges in life.
What makes this idiom universally appealing is its ability to offer encouragement to those who feel disheartened by failure or setbacks. It reminds individuals that true strength lies in their ability to persevere and view failures as opportunities for growth and improvement.
In a world filled with uncertainty and constant change, the idiom's enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal nature, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. It serves as a timeless reminder of the indomitable human spirit, inspiring individuals across cultures to embrace life's challenges, stand up despite their falls, and forge ahead with unwavering determination.
So how exactly does the idiom "fall seven times, stand up eight" relate to other idioms?
When we hear the idiom "land on one's feet," we can see a connection to the concept of standing up after falling. Just as the idiom implies, when we fall seven times, we are encouraged to land on our feet and stand up an eighth time. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and bouncing back from setbacks.
Similarly, the idiom "bounce back" aligns with the message of "fall seven times, stand up eight." It conveys the idea of quickly recovering from adversity, just as we stand up again after each fall. The idiom encourages individuals to stay resilient, maintain their focus, and continue moving forward.
Another idiom that relates to "fall seven times, stand up eight" is "get back on the horse that bucked one." When one falls, it can be disheartening and challenging to get back up and try again. However, this idiom encourages individuals to persevere, get back on their feet, and face their challenges head-on. It emphasizes the importance of persistence and not letting failure discourage one from moving forward.
The idiom "hang in" also aligns with the message of "fall seven times, stand up eight." When faced with adversity, it can be tempting to give up. However, "hang in" reminds us to stay strong and resilient, holding on even when things get tough. It encourages individuals to persevere and maintain their determination, just as the idiom encourages individuals to stand up again after each fall.
Lastly, the idiom "down but not out" reinforces the idea of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. When one falls, it doesn't mean they are defeated. Instead, they maintain their determination and remain in the fight. This idiom aligns with the message of "fall seven times, stand up eight" by reminding individuals to keep pressing forward, even when faced with challenges.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom 'fall seven times, stand up eight' can be used in a sentence:
- After facing a series of setbacks in his business, John adopted the mindset of 'fall seven times, stand up eight' and continued to strive for success.
- Despite failing multiple times in his attempts to learn to play the guitar, Tom's determination allowed him to 'fall seven times, stand up eight' and eventually become a skilled musician.
- Even though she faced numerous rejections while searching for a job, Sarah never lost hope and kept applying, embracing the philosophy of 'fall seven times, stand up eight'.
More "Perseverance" idioms
