ENGLISH
REFERENCE

made in Japan

idiom
Meaning

Cheaply manufactured; of poor or low quality, especially if made in East Asia.


Examples
SIMPLE

This cheap watch is made in Japan.

CONTEXTUAL

The toy broke after only one hour because it was made in Japan.

COMPLEX

The consumer grew suspicious of the product's durability, noting that it was clearly made in Japan.

Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    have it made

    To have accomplished all there is to do; to have no further work or difficulty.

  2. 02

    made for each other

    Well suited to be in a relationship with one another, especially as romantic or marital partners.

  3. 03

    made in China

    Cheaply manufactured; of poor or low quality, (especially) if made in East Asia.

  4. 04

    made in the shade

    In a condition characterized by comfort, success, easy living, or general well-being.

  5. 05

    made of sterner stuff

    strong and determined (especially more so than someone else, to whom one is being compared).

  6. 06

    match made in heaven

    A relationship, such as a marriage, that is happy and successful, sometimes because the partners are very compatible.

  7. 07

    match made in hell

    A relationship that is likely to be unhappy or unsuccessful because the two partners are very incompatible with each other.

© 2026 English Reference