お膝ひざ元もと

noun

beside a nobleman; close aide

Historical term for being in the immediate presence or service of a high-ranking person such as a shogun or lord. Also refers to a trusted attendant.

• 彼かれは将しょう軍ぐんのお膝ひざ元もとに仕つかえる側そっ近きんだった。

  He was a close aide serving at the shogun's side.

noun

seat of power; home base of a ruler

Historical term for the place where a shogun, lord, or emperor resides and governs, such as the shogun's capital or the Imperial court.

• 江え戸どは徳とく川がわ将しょう軍ぐんのお膝ひざ元もととして栄さかえた。

  Edo flourished as the seat of the Tokugawa shogun.

noun

one's home turf; one's own backyard

Modern extended use: a place where a person or group has strong influence or feels at home. Often used in political, business, or local contexts.

• 地じ元もとの選せん挙きょ区くは彼かれのお膝ひざ元もとだ。

  His home constituency is his own turf.

• あの店みせは社しゃ長ちょうのお膝ひざ元もとで、いつも特とく別べつ扱あつかいだ。

  That shop is the company president's home ground and always gets special treatment.