expression, godan verb (-ku)
Sumo term literally meaning 'the earth attaches'; used when a wrestler touches the ground with any part of the body other than the soles of the feet, resulting in a loss. Also used figuratively for any defeat or failure.
横綱が土俵際で土がついた。
The yokozuna lost at the edge of the ring.
彼は今回の選挙で土がついた。
He was defeated in this election.