Translation guide
A wedge is a triangular tool used to split, tighten, or secure something. In Japanese, the word くさび covers the physical tool and some metaphorical uses, but other expressions are used for specific contexts like golf clubs or high-heeled shoes.
A piece of wood, metal, or other material with a pointed edge, used to split objects, tighten joints, or keep things in place.
The standard word for a wedge as a tool. Can be used for splitting logs, securing an axe head, or as a doorstop.
I drove a wedge into the log and split it.
I put a wedge under the door to keep it open.
A type of golf club with a high loft, used for short approach shots.
The loanword from English, used specifically for golf clubs. Often combined with modifiers like サンドウェッジ (sand wedge) or アプローチウェッジ (approach wedge).
I use a wedge around the green.
I used a sand wedge to get out of the bunker.
Something shaped like a wedge, such as a piece of cheese, a formation of birds, or a hairstyle.
Something that causes disagreement or separation between people.
Literally 'to drive a wedge', used metaphorically to mean creating a division or driving a rift between people or groups.
That issue drove a wedge between the two friends.
Means 'to become a wedge', used when something acts as a divisive factor.
Money can sometimes become a wedge in a family.
A small action or event that is expected to lead to bigger, often negative, consequences.
Means 'it's just the beginning' or 'it's only the thin end of the wedge'. Used to warn that a small problem could escalate.
This price increase is just the thin end of the wedge.
While くさび is the direct translation, it is not used for golf clubs (use ウェッジ) or wedge heels (use ウェッジソール or ウェッジヒール). For metaphorical uses, くさび is common, but phrases like 氷山の一角 may be more natural for 'thin end of the wedge'.
The geese are flying in a wedge formation.
She is wearing wedge-heeled sandals.
Literally 'tip of the iceberg', often used similarly to 'thin end of the wedge' to indicate a small visible part of a larger problem.
This scandal is just the tip of the iceberg.