armpit, the other way, another place, flank, supporting role
脇 centers on the side area of the body or a position away from the center: the armpit, the flank, or a supporting role that is not the main focus. The idea of 'another place' or 'the other way' extends naturally from this sense of being off to the side.
脇 combines the flesh radical ⺼ with 劦, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of multiple forces working together. The original sense may relate to the ribs or side of the body where muscles work in coordination.
The flesh radical ⺼ on the left marks a body part, and the right side 劦 looks like three forces working together. Picture the armpit as the side area where arm muscles cooperate to lift and support.
For キョウ, imagine a supporting actor in a Kyoto theater troupe who always stands off to the side: Kyoto -> キョウ, and the actor's role is a flanking, supporting one.
armpit; under one's arm; side; flank
supporting role (actor); minor role
side (of the torso); flank
armpit; axilla
side road; byroad
wakizashi; short sword worn by samurai
wrestler of the third highest rank
under one's arm; (in) the armpit
looking aside; looking away
looking from the side
both sides
edges of the mouth
right armpit; right side
excellent supporting role; outstanding supporting actor
Miyawaki method (afforestation technique)
section of a room next to the alcove (where shelves are often placed)
ditch next to railway track
sides of the chest
poor at preventing one's opponent from getting an underarm grip
to stand aside; to step to the side; to move aside