expression, noun

Idiomatic expression.
  1. sudden windfall, unexpected piece of good luck, azuki-covered mochi (fallen) from a shelf.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
 
 
 
棚からぼた餅 たなからぼたもち
 
 
棚から牡丹餅 たなからぼたもち

Contained Kanji Breakdown

shelf, ledge, rack
たな ホウ (9th, N1)
tree, wood
き モク こ- (1st, N5)
companion, friend
ホウ とも (Kentei Pre-1, N1)
month, moon
つき ゲツ ガツ (1st, N5)
mochi rice cake
もち ヘイ ヒョウ (11th)
put together
ヘイ ヒョウ あわ.せる (Kentei 1)
eight, eight radical (no. 12)
ハチ や はっ (1st, N5)
dry, parch, ebb
ひ.る カン ほ.す (6th, N2)