expression, godan verb (-ru)
make a ceremonial hand movement when receiving prize money (sumo)
Sumo term: the winning wrestler performs a cutting motion with the hand before accepting the monetary award envelope.
優勝力士は懸賞金を受け取る前に手刀を切った。
The champion sumo wrestler made the ceremonial hand movement before receiving the prize money.
From 手刀 (tegatana, 'hand sword') + を + 切る (kiru, 'cut'). The gesture mimics cutting with a hand sword, a ritual in sumo prize ceremonies.