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息がかかる (いきがかかる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ru)
to have the backing of ; to be under the patronage of
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression meaning that an influential person or organization provides support, often behind the scenes. The subject is the person or entity receiving the support, and the supporter is marked with に.
この プロジェクト に は 大だい 企き 業ぎょう の 息いき が かかっ て いる 。
This project is under the patronage of a major corporation.
Written forms 息いき がかかる
Standard kanji spelling for this idiomatic expression.
息いき が 掛か かる
Alternate kanji spelling using 掛かる; less common but still encountered.
Kanji 息 breath, respiration, son Similar words 後こう 援えん を 受う ける A more direct and formal way to say 'receive support/patronage', without the idiomatic nuance of behind-the-scenes influence.
パトロンがつく A loanword-based expression meaning 'to have a patron', often used in artistic or financial contexts, less idiomatic than 息がかかる.
Etymology The expression literally means 'breath hangs over', metaphorically suggesting that someone's influence or spirit is present and affecting the situation. The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely derives from the idea of a person's breath or aura being felt even when they are not physically present.
