Nuance Dictionary / Social Situations
물불을 가리지 않다 Mul-bul-eul gariji anta
To pursue a goal with such reckless, singular intensity that one ignores all personal boundaries, social consequences, or common sense.
What does 물불을 가리지 않다 mean?
물불을 가리지 않다 (Mul-bul-eul gariji anta) means: To pursue a goal with such reckless, singular intensity that one ignores all personal boundaries, social consequences, or common sense.
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How it's actually used
- 그 사람은 성공하기 위해서라면 물불을 가리지 않는 스타일이야.
Geu saram-eun seonggong-hagi wihaeseoramyeon mul-bul-eul gariji anneun seutail-iya.
He’s the type who doesn't care about anything—fire or water—if it means he'll succeed.
💡 Highlights that the person’s personality is fundamentally wired for ruthless ambition. - 이번 승진을 위해 물불을 가리지 않고 일했더니 몸이 다 망가졌어.
Ibeon seungjin-eul wihae mul-bul-eul gariji anko ilhaetdeoni mom-i da mang-gajyeosseo.
I worked like a maniac for this promotion, ignoring everything else, and now my body is wrecked.
💡 Shows the self-destructive, 'hustle culture' side of the expression. - 경쟁이 치열해지니까 다들 물불을 가리지 않고 덤비네.
Gyeongjaeng-i chiyeolhaejinikka dadeul mul-bul-eul gariji anko deombine.
The competition is getting so fierce that everyone is going all-out, no holds barred.
💡 Captures the collective, cutthroat energy of a hyper-competitive environment.
Related words in Social Situations
눈에 불을 켜다 Nun-e bul-eul kyeoda눈에 익다 Nun-e ikda눈에 띄다 Nun-e tti-da눈이 높다 nun-i nopda눈독을 들이다 Nundog-eul deurida