severing of connections; breaking off relations
Refers to the act of cutting ties, often in personal relationships or business dealings. Commonly used in phrases like 手切れ金 (breakup money) or 手切れになる (to break off relations).
They broke up, with one giving the other breakup money.
We severed ties with a long-time business partner.
consolation money; settlement; breakup compensation
Compound of 手 (hand, means) and 切れ (cutting, severing). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word likely developed from the idea of cutting off a connection or relationship.