つかみ所どころ

noun

point; gist; substance

Refers to the essential or graspable part of something abstract, such as a story, argument, or personality. Often used in negative expressions like つかみ所がない (elusive, vague).

See also: つかみ所のない

• 彼かれの話はなしはつかみ所どころがなくて、何なにが言いいたいのかわからなかった。

  His story had no clear point, and I couldn't tell what he wanted to say.

• あの人ひとはつかみ所どころのない性せい格かくだ。

  That person has an elusive personality.

noun

hold; grip

Literal meaning: a place to grab or hold onto. Less common than the figurative sense; often used in physical contexts or set phrases.

• 岩いわにはつかみ所どころがなくて、登のぼれなかった。

  The rock had no handholds, so I couldn't climb it.