sand
沙 centers on sand: fine granular material found near water. The meaning is straightforward and concrete.
one hundred-millionth
affair; state; incident; issue; matter
not writing or contacting for a while; neglecting (failing) to write (call, visit, etc.); long silence
news (from someone); word; letter; tidings; contact
sal (tree) (Shorea robusta); saul
going public (with a matter); becoming public knowledge
Vaisravana (guardian god of Buddhism)
male Buddhist novice
having nothing to do; having time on one's hands (and not knowing what to do); being at a loose end; being bored
red spider lily (Lycoris radiata); cluster amaryllis; cluster belladonna; manjusaka
ragworm; sandworm; clam worm (Hediste)
shramana (wandering monk)
money talks; money is the key that opens all doors; even the Buddha's verdict is (decided by) money
secret government business
bloodshed
beginning (developing into) a quarrel (a fight, an altercation)
money talks; money is the key that opens all doors; money is the best lawyer in hell; even the verdict of hell is determined by money
Sicyopterus japonicus (species of goby)
tall stewartia (Stewartia monadelpha); hime-syara stewartia
sharp-nosed sand goby (Favonigobius gymnauchen)
沙 combines 氵 (water) with 少 (few/small), suggesting small particles deposited by water, i.e., sand. The component 少 may also contribute a phonetic element.
Water 氵 washes over tiny particles 少, leaving behind sand. Picture a beach where waves deposit fine sand.
For サ, imagine the sun (サン) beating down on the sand, making it hot. The first syllable of 'sun' (サ) cues the reading.