expression, noun
how it came about; the origin of the matter
Refers to the beginning or cause of an event, often used when recounting a story or explaining a situation. The gloss 'the origins of the imbroglio' is a more dramatic, literary rendering.
事の起こりは、小さな誤解だった。
The origin of the matter was a small misunderstanding.
事の起こりを詳しく説明してください。
Please explain in detail how it came about.
起こり is a general noun meaning 'origin' or 'beginning'; 事の起こり specifically refers to the origin of a particular event or situation.
経緯 means 'circumstances' or 'details of how something happened', focusing on the process; 事の起こり focuses on the starting point.
Compound of 事 (こと, 'matter, affair') + の (possessive particle) + 起こり (おこり, 'origin, beginning').