Korean word

어부지리

Pronunciation

Romanizationeobujiri

Meaning

  • nounbenefit from others' conflict

Example

둘이 싸우는 사이에 어부지리로 이득을 봤다.tu ri ssa u neun sa i e eo bu ji ri ro i deu geul pwat tta

While the two were fighting, I benefited from their conflict.

Illustration for 어부지리 (benefit from others' conflict)

More examples

투표가 분산되자 소수 정당이 어부지리로 의석을 얻었다.tu pyo ga pun san doe ja so su cheong dang i eo bu ji ri ro ui seo geul eo deot tta

As the votes were split, a minor party gained seats by benefiting from others' conflict.

Core concept

A third party gains an unexpected advantage while two others are locked in a dispute.

Common phrases

  • 어부지리로 혜택을 보다eo bu ji ri ro hye tae geul po da

    benefit from others' conflict

  • 어부지리를 차지하다eo bu ji ri reul cha ji ha da

    gain an advantage from others' conflict

Similar words

이득ideuk: A concrete benefit or gain that puts someone in a better position.
횡재hoengjae: An unexpected windfall received by chance.
우연uyeon: An event or result that happens without planning or intention.

Definition in Korean

둘이 싸우거나 다투는 사이에 제삼자가 뜻밖의 이익을 얻는 상황이나 그 이익을 이르는 명사.tu ri ssa u geo na ta tu neun sa i e che sam ja ga tteut ppa kkui i i geul eon neun sang hwang i na keu i i geul i reu neun myeong sa

Word origin

The Sino-Korean expression 어부지리 (eobujiri, "a fisherman's profit") comes from a Chinese story in which a fisherman benefits while a clam and a snipe struggle.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 어부지리 (eobujiri, "an advantage gained from others' conflict") can carry a mildly critical tone because the beneficiary does not create the opportunity.

Opposites

Word lists with this word