目に余る

• Reading: めにあまる
• Romaji: me ni amaru
• Kanji breakdown: 目 (me/moku) — eye; 余 (ama/yo) — to be left over, exceed
• Pronunciation: /me.ni.a.ma.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be intolerable; to be more than one can overlook; to be unpardonable. Expresses that something has gone beyond acceptable limits.

A compound expression combining 目 (eye) with 余る (to be left over/exceed). Group 1 (godan) conjugation via 余る. Literally means 'to overflow the eyes' — the situation is so bad it exceeds what one can bear to witness. Used for behaviour, conditions, or situations that demand action.

Examples

1. 彼の態度は目に余るものがある。 His attitude is beyond what one can turn a blind eye to.
2. 最近の環境破壊は目に余る状況だ。 The recent state of environmental destruction is beyond tolerable.
3. 目に余る行為を見かけたら、すぐに報告してください。 If you witness behavior that has gone too far, please report it immediately.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, social behaviour, complaints

Tone: stern

Origin & History

Idiomatic expression meaning 'to exceed what the eyes can contain.' 余る (to exceed/overflow) combined with 目 (eyes) conveys that something is too much to simply look away from.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal