noun
slashing with the blade pressed against the object
A cutting technique where the blade is drawn across the target while maintaining pressure, often used in swordsmanship.
なで斬りは、刀を対象に押し当てながら引くように切る技だ。
Nadegiri is a technique where you cut by drawing the sword while pressing it against the target.
noun
mowing down enemies; clean sweep; sweeping conquest
Figurative extension: cutting down multiple opponents in quick succession, or achieving a decisive, overwhelming victory. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
彼は戦場で敵をなで斬りにした。
He mowed down the enemy on the battlefield.
そのチームは大会でなで斬りのような強さを見せた。
That team showed sweeping dominance in the tournament.
Full kanji spelling with 切り variant.
Compound of 撫で (nade, 'stroking') + 斬り (kiri, 'cutting'). The term likely originated in swordsmanship to describe a drawing cut, later extended metaphorically to sweeping victories.