Meaning
A guilty conscience reveals itself; someone acts suspiciously because they are guilty.
Cultural Background
In Korea, proverbs involving body parts are very common. The 'foot' often represents one's foundation or movement. A 'numb foot' implies you cannot walk away from your crimes easily. Confucian values emphasize honesty and self-reflection. This proverb serves as a moral warning that your inner self will always betray your lies. In K-Dramas, this phrase is often used during police interrogations or when a 'villain' starts acting erratic before their secret is revealed. Using this phrase to someone's face can be quite aggressive or teasing. It's often used in the third person to describe someone else's behavior.
Use with '-나 보다'
It sounds more natural to say '{제|自} {발|足} 저리나 봐요' (It seems they feel guilty) rather than a direct accusation.
Don't use for physical pain
Koreans will be very confused if you use this for a leg cramp.
Meaning
A guilty conscience reveals itself; someone acts suspiciously because they are guilty.
Use with '-나 보다'
It sounds more natural to say '{제|自} {발|足} 저리나 봐요' (It seems they feel guilty) rather than a direct accusation.
Don't use for physical pain
Koreans will be very confused if you use this for a leg cramp.
The 'Thief' context
Remember that the full proverb starts with 'Thief' (도둑), which helps you remember the 'guilt' aspect.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate situation to use '{제|自} {발|足} 저리다'.
Which person is '{제|自} {발|足} 저린'?
Option B shows someone making an unprompted excuse to hide their guilt, which is the definition of the phrase.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
아무도 안 물어봤는데 왜 혼자 변명을 해? 너 (______) 저리니?
The idiom is '{제|自} {발|足} 저리다'.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 어제 내 초콜릿 누가 먹었어? 나: 난 진짜 안 먹었어! 어제 하루 종일 밖에 있었단 말이야! 가: ________________________.
The person '나' is over-explaining, so '가' would suspect them of being guilty.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesWhich person is '{제|自} {발|足} 저린'?
Option B shows someone making an unprompted excuse to hide their guilt, which is the definition of the phrase.
아무도 안 물어봤는데 왜 혼자 변명을 해? 너 (______) 저리니?
The idiom is '{제|自} {발|足} 저리다'.
가: 어제 내 초콜릿 누가 먹었어? 나: 난 진짜 안 먹었어! 어제 하루 종일 밖에 있었단 말이야! 가: ________________________.
The person '나' is over-explaining, so '가' would suspect them of being guilty.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it's very common for small things like eating someone's snack or forgetting a chore.
It can be seen as an accusation, so use it carefully with superiors. With friends, it's fine for teasing.
It is {自|제}, meaning 'self'.
Yes, '찔리다' (to be pricked) is the most common modern slang equivalent.
Related Phrases
찔리다
similarTo feel a prick of conscience
켕기다
similarTo feel uneasy/suspicious
발이 넓다
contrastTo have a wide social circle
도둑이 매를 들다
builds onThe thief picks up the whip
