JMdict: 2078950

背に腹は代えられない 【せにはらはかえられない】

  1. [exp,adj-i] you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs; a small sacrifice may be necessary to solve a more pressing problem
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Kanji in this word:

Kanji Meanings On Readings Kun Readings Grade
背 Stature, Height, Back, Behind, Disobey, Defy, Go Back On, Rebel ハイ せ, せい, そむ.く, そむ.ける 6
腹 Abdomen, Belly, Stomach フク はら 6
代 Substitute, Change, Convert, Replace, Period, Age, Counter For Decades Of Ages, Eras, Etc., Generation, Charge, Rate, Fee ダイ, タイ か.わる, かわ.る, かわ.り, か.わり, -がわ.り, -が.わり, か.える, よ, しろ 3