This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

九仞の功を一簣に虧く

Reading

Kana: きゅうじんのこうをいっきにかく
Romaji: kyūjinnokouwoikkinikaku
Kana
Romaji

Definition

exp
1

to fail one step short of great success; to fall at the last hurdle

Note: idiomatic expression

Kanji

Readings: キュウ、 ク、 ここの、 ここの.つ
Meaning: nine
Readings: ジン、 はか.る
Meaning: fathom
Readings: コウ、 ク、 いさお
Meanings: achievement, merits, success, honor, credit
Readings: イチ、 イツ、 ひと-、 ひと.つ
Meanings: one, one radical (no.1)
Readings: キ、 もっこ、 あじか
Meaning: earth-carrying basket
Readings: キ、 か.ける
Meaning: wane (moon)