手て離ばなれ

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

becoming independent; not needing constant parental care

Used for children who have grown old enough to manage on their own without constant supervision. Often appears as 手離れがいい (easy to look after) or 手離れが悪い (demanding).

• 末すえっ子こが小しょう学がっ校こうに上あがって、やっと手て離ばなれした感かんじです。

  Now that the youngest has started elementary school, I finally feel like I have my hands free.

• この子こは手て離ばなれがよくて、あまり手てがかからない。

  This child is easy to look after and doesn't need much attention.

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

finishing a task; getting a job off one's hands

Refers to completing a piece of work or project so that it no longer requires one's attention. Less common than the child-rearing sense.

• 大おおきなプロジェクトが手て離ばなれして、ほっとしている。

  I'm relieved now that the big project is off my hands.