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Yomi
ひとりあるきする
Rōmaji
hitori aruki suru
Type
idiom
Literal Meaning
walk alone
Meaning
1. (words, concepts or someone’s remarks) be taken out of context and spread widely with an unintended meaning (as if they travel without their source/context)
2. unverified information/rumours circulate in an unstoppable manner (despite someone’s intention)
Additional Info
Its allusion is that specific information travels “alone” (i.e. without its source/origin/background/context or despite one’s intention). Note that it’s also used literally (街を一人歩きする, “to walk alone in a city”).
Example
「多様性」という言葉が一人歩きして、ルールを守らななくてもいい意味だと勘違いしている人がいる。
As the word “diversity” spreads widely, some people misunderstand that they don’t have to follow rules.
「優勝は目指さない」という発言が一人歩きしたせいで、あの監督はやる気がないと批判された。
The head coach was criticised for lacking in motivation because his remark “We won’t aim to win the championship” was taken out of context and spread widely in an unstoppable manner.
私が彼と付き合っているという噂が一人歩きして困っている。
I’m having trouble because the rumour has been circulating (beyond my control) that he and I are in a relationship.
