Japanese Word · Beginner
足を洗う
go straight, quit a shady business, wash one's hands of some work or lifestyle which is less than respectable
Pronunciation: [a̠ɕi o̞ a̠ɾa̠ɯ̟]
Meaning
go straight, quit a shady business, wash one's hands of some work or lifestyle which is less than respectable
Example
その後、妻は子どもを産んでギャンブルから足を洗ったが、夫の競艇好きは直らず。
After that, the wife quitted gambling after childbearing, but the husband didn't break himself of enthusiasm for boat race.
Practice tips
- Practice 足を洗う out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this Japanese word is for beginner-level learners.