舌先

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 舌先 is read as したさき and can mean either the physical tip of the tongue or mere words without sincerity.
• Basic usage: Use the context to distinguish the literal body part from a figurative expression such as 舌先だけ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The physical tongue tip
  • It can directly refer to the part of the tongue burned by hot food. Example: 熱いスープに触れて舌先を少しやけどしました。
• Mere lip service
  • 舌先だけの謝罪 is an apology made only in words, without matching sincerity or action. Example: 舌先だけの謝罪では、相手の信頼は戻りません。