It is difficult to translate it directly from Japanese to English because there is a metaphor behind some characters. However, its basic translation is to ‘bounce back and make another attempt with redoubled effort’ or to ‘avenge’.
I’d like to explain this idiom per character.
捲(ken) = is the act of forming ‘cloud of dust’ (like the dust formed when horses run)
土(do)= it simply means land or earth.
捲土(ken-do) = Imagine a cavalry trying to invade a land or to get into a war, they are on their horses making a huge ‘cloud of dust’. ‘Cloud of dust’ symbolizes how vigorous a person is.
On the other hand,
重(chyou)= It can be translated as ‘again’ in this context.
来(rai)= It means ‘come’.
As a result,
重来(chyou-rai) = to come again
In the nutshell,
捲土重来= To bounce back or to get back on one’s feet with greater vigor to win against/beat enemies. We can use this idiom when we pray for success after experiencing a significant loss. Just a gentle reminder, let’s not compete with each others but instead let’s work together to fight against bigger enemies like injustice, diseases, and corruption.
If you are interested in these Kanji, you may simply copy them from this website and use them as you please. Make them yours!
