二にの足あし

expression, noun

second step

Literal meaning, rarely used outside the idiom 二の足を踏む. In modern Japanese, this sense is mostly encountered in explanations of the idiom.

• 「二にの足あしを踏ふむ」の「二にの足あし」は、文も字じ通どおりには二に歩ほ目めを指さす。

  In the idiom 二の足を踏む, 二の足 literally means the second step.

expression, noun

hesitation; indecision

Used almost exclusively in the set phrase 二の足を踏む, meaning to hesitate or be unable to make a decision. The phrase evokes the image of taking one step forward and then pausing before the second step.

See also: 二の足を踏む

• 新あたらしい仕し事ごとに応おう募ぼするかどうか、二にの足あしを踏ふんでいる。

  I'm hesitating about whether to apply for the new job.

• 彼かれは高たかい買かい物ものをするときはいつも二にの足あしを踏ふむ。

  He always hesitates when making an expensive purchase.