相手が相手だけに・
The pattern noun + が + the same noun + だけに repeats the noun to stress that the particular nature, status, seriousness, price, age, or other notable feature of that person or thing strongly shapes the following judgment or result.
The context supplies the important property
The repetition highlights the identity or nature of the noun, but it does not say by itself what makes that noun special. The surrounding context must reveal the relevant feature—perhaps someone’s authority, a problem’s seriousness, an item’s price, or a person’s age. The next part then gives a plausible judgment, reaction, precaution, or result.
Both favorable and unfavorable results
The result need not be negative. What matters is that it follows naturally from the special feature established by the context.
この店の料理長は国際大会の優勝者だ。料理長が料理長だけに、味への期待も高まる。
The head chef at this restaurant won an international competition. Given who the chef is, expectations for the food naturally rise.
AnalyzeWinning the competition establishes why this particular chef inspires high expectations.
患者は重い心臓病を抱えている。病気が病気だけに、回復には時間がかかるだろう。
The patient has a serious heart condition. Given the nature of the illness, recovery will probably take time.
AnalyzeThe first sentence makes the illness’s seriousness explicit.
The linking form
今は入試直前だ。時期が時期なだけに、生徒たちは皆ぴりぴりしている。
It is just before the entrance exams. Given the timing, all the students are on edge.
AnalyzeRepeated noun versus the broader pattern
The broader causal pattern だけに attaches once to a noun or clause. In contrast, 相手が相手だけに deliberately repeats the noun, making that person’s or thing’s particular identity and circumstances the center of the evaluation.
More examples
相手は前回の優勝チームだ。相手が相手だけに、一瞬も油断できない。
Our opponent is the defending champion. Given who we are facing, we cannot let our guard down for even a moment.
Analyze千年以上前に建てられた寺院の修復だ。建物が建物だけに、作業には細心の注意が求められる。
This is the restoration of a temple built more than a thousand years ago. Given the nature of the building, the work requires the utmost care.
Analyzeここは人の出入りが多いロビーだ。場所が場所なだけに、機密事項については話せない。
This is a busy lobby with people constantly coming and going. Given the location, we cannot discuss confidential matters here.
Analyzeこの宿は一泊十万円を超える。値段が値段だけに、サービスは申し分なかった。
This inn costs more than one hundred thousand yen per night. Given the price, the service was impeccable.
Analyze彼は全社員を代表する立場にある。立場が立場だけに、軽率な発言は許されない。
He is in a position where he represents every employee. Given that position, careless remarks are unacceptable.
Analyzeこの計画は百万人の生活に影響する。規模が規模であるだけに、十分な検証が不可欠だ。
This plan will affect the lives of one million people. Given its scale, thorough verification is essential.
Analyze