白日の下

• Reading: はくじつのもと
• Romaji: hakujitsu no moto
• Kanji breakdown: 白 (haku/shiro) — white, bright; 日 (nichi/hi) — sun, day; 下 (ka/shita/moto) — under, beneath
• Pronunciation: /hakɯdʑitsɯ no moto/

Meaning

In broad daylight; publicly exposed; laid bare for all to see. Describes something being fully revealed without concealment.

An expression used to describe the complete, public exposure of something previously hidden, especially wrongdoing or deception. Most commonly collocates with 白日の下にさらす (to expose to public view) or 白日の下にさらされる (to be laid bare). Carries a sense of the inevitability of eventual exposure.

Examples

1. 長年隠蔽されてきた不正行為が、ついに白日の下にさらされた。 The misconduct that had been concealed for years was finally exposed to public view.
2. 真実はいつか白日の下に明らかになると、彼女は信じていた。 She believed that the truth would one day be brought to light for all to see.
3. 権力者の腐敗を白日の下にさらすことが、ジャーナリズムの役割だ。 It is the role of journalism to expose the corruption of those in power.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, law, politics, ethics

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

From 白日 (hakujitsu, brilliant midday sun) and 下 (moto, beneath/under). The blazing midday sun illuminates everything without shadow, leaving nothing concealed — hence the metaphor for total public exposure.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated