expression, noun
party in full swing; party at its peak
Describes a lively party or banquet at its most enjoyable moment. Often used in set phrases like 宴もたけなわですが to signal a transition or closing.
宴もたけなわですが、そろそろお開きにしましょう。
The party is in full swing, but let's call it a night soon.
宴もたけなわの頃、彼は突然歌い出した。
When the party was at its peak, he suddenly started singing.
たけなわ alone means 'in full swing' or 'at its height' and can be used for various events, not just parties. 宴もたけなわ is a fixed expression specifically for banquets.
The phrase combines 宴 (banquet) with たけなわ (height, peak). たけなわ is of uncertain origin, possibly from 丈 (height) + 直 (straight) or related to 盛り (peak). The expression is idiomatic and not derived from a single kanji compound.