危ない目に遭う

abunai me ni au
verb phrase★Intermediate— to get into trouble◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To end up in a harmful or troublesome situation, often due to poor judgment or bad luck.
Literal Meaning
To encounter with one's eyes in a dangerous way.
Literal Breakdown
危ないdangerous+目eyes+にto+遭うencounter
◇ Mental Image
Imagine literally seeing a dangerous situation with your own eyes, then being caught up in it.
◈ When to Use
A friend warns you: 'Don't go alone at night—you might get into trouble.' Here, 'get into trouble' is the figurative meaning of 危ない目に遭う.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects Japanese cautionary culture, where avoiding trouble (迷惑, meiwaku) is highly valued. The phrase emphasizes the importance of foresight and risk avoidance.
informal

To find oneself in a dangerous or unpleasant situation due to one's own actions or circumstances.

彼は無謀なドライブで危ない目に遭った。

He got into trouble because of his reckless driving.

うっかりして危ない目に遭わないように注意してください。

Please be careful not to get into trouble by carelessness.

💡

Often implies that the trouble could have been avoided with better judgment.

Related Phrases

危ない橋を渡るidiom
to take a risky action
危険を冒すphrase
to risk danger

💡Pro Tip

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse this with literal encounters (e.g., 'I encountered a dangerous person'). Remember it implies a negative outcome or trouble, not just a neutral meeting.

⚡Gold Rule

Idiom Usage

Use this idiom to emphasize the consequence of risky actions or bad luck. It is not used for minor inconveniences.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines '危ない' (abunai, dangerous) and '目に遭う' (me ni au, to encounter). '目に遭う' literally means 'to encounter with one's eyes,' but idiomatically refers to experiencing an event. The combination emphasizes the negative outcome of the encounter.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in everyday speech to warn against risky behavior or to describe past mishaps. Often appears in advice or cautionary contexts.

Word Breakdown

危ない
dangerous
adjective
+
目
eyes/encounter
noun
+
に
to (indicates direction)
particle
+
遭う
to encounter
verb
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