noun
short pillar supporting a ridgepole
Architectural term for a short vertical post set on a beam to support the ridgepole in traditional Japanese buildings. Now mostly encountered in the idiom うだつが上がらない.
See also: うだつが上がらない
古い民家の梁の上にうだつが立っている。
In the old farmhouse, a short pillar stands on the beam to support the ridgepole.
「うだつが上がらない」のうだつは、もともとこの柱を
noun
raised roof edge; fire wall with raised edge
A mud wall with a raised roof edge, used as a firebreak and status symbol in traditional townhouses. Also a historical architectural feature; now mainly known through the idiom.
町家のうだつは防火壁の役割も果たした。
The raised roof edge of the townhouse also served as a fire wall.
うだつのある家は裕福な商家の証だった。
A house with a raised roof edge was a sign of a wealthy merchant family.
The うだつ in the idiom うだつが上がらない originally referred to this pillar.
Idiom meaning 'going nowhere' or 'unable to get ahead', derived from the architectural term うだつ.
The origin is uncertain; the word refers to traditional architectural features and is now mostly known through the idiom うだつが上がらない.