눈 감으면 코 베어 갈 세상
nun gameumyeon ko beeo gal sesang
world where nose is cut off if eyes close
Signification
A world where you must always be alert and careful.
Contexte culturel
The phrase gained massive popularity during the 1960s-80s when millions moved to Seoul. It captured the collective anxiety of a nation transitioning from agrarian trust to urban competition. In the 'K-Office' environment, this phrase is often used to describe the intense competition for promotions and the risk of others taking credit for your work. Modern Koreans use this idiom frequently in the context of 'Smishing' (SMS Phishing), reflecting how the old idiom has adapted to the smartphone era. It is a staple of 'K-Mom' advice, showing that Korean parenting often involves preparing children for a harsh external reality to keep them grounded.
Use it for empathy
When a friend tells you they were overcharged, using this phrase shows you understand how harsh the world can be.
Don't sound too negative
If you use this too much, you might sound like a very cynical person who doesn't trust anyone.
Signification
A world where you must always be alert and careful.
Use it for empathy
When a friend tells you they were overcharged, using this phrase shows you understand how harsh the world can be.
Don't sound too negative
If you use this too much, you might sound like a very cynical person who doesn't trust anyone.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks to complete the idiom.
요즘은 ( ) 감으면 ( ) 베어 갈 세상이니 조심해야 해.
The correct body parts are '눈' (eyes) and '코' (nose).
Which situation best fits the idiom '눈 감으면 코 베어 갈 세상'?
Which of these scenarios would prompt someone to use this idiom?
The idiom is a warning about deception and scams.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 서울로 이사 간다며? 거기 사람 정말 많지? 나: 응, 부모님이 ( )이라고 조심하라고 하시더라.
The context of moving to a big city and receiving a warning fits this idiom perfectly.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Nose-Cutting World'
Scams
- • Voice Phishing
- • Used goods fraud
- • Fake ads
Big Cities
- • Subway pickpockets
- • Crowded markets
- • Anonymous streets
Banque d exercices
3 exercices요즘은 ( ) 감으면 ( ) 베어 갈 세상이니 조심해야 해.
The correct body parts are '눈' (eyes) and '코' (nose).
Which of these scenarios would prompt someone to use this idiom?
The idiom is a warning about deception and scams.
가: 서울로 이사 간다며? 거기 사람 정말 많지? 나: 응, 부모님이 ( )이라고 조심하라고 하시더라.
The context of moving to a big city and receiving a warning fits this idiom perfectly.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, but often with a touch of irony or when talking about very modern problems like crypto scams.
It's better to use more formal language like '신중을 기해야 합니다' (caution is required) unless you have a very close relationship with the recipient.
Historically, the nose was a symbol of dignity. Losing it was the ultimate sign that you had been completely defeated or fooled.
Expressions liées
눈 뜨고 코 베이다
similarTo be cheated in broad daylight.
정신을 바짝 차리다
builds onTo be wide awake/alert.
세상에 공짜는 없다
similarThere is no such thing as a free lunch.
믿는 도끼에 발등 찍힌다
contrastTo be betrayed by someone you trust.
