本もとを正ただす

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-su)

get to the bottom of something; trace back to the origin; investigate the root cause

Used when thoroughly examining the fundamental cause or origin of a matter, often in formal or investigative contexts.

Written forms

本もとを正ただす
Standard kanji spelling using 正す; the most common written form.
元もとを正ただす
Variant using 元; also seen, but 本 is more frequent.
本もとを糺ただす
Rare variant using 糺す, which specifically means to investigate or probe.
元もとを糺ただす
Rare variant combining 元 and 糺す.
本もとをただす
Kana spelling of the verb; used when the kanji 正す or 糺す is avoided.
元もとをただす
Kana spelling with 元; less common but possible.

Kanji

本book, present, main
正correct, justice, righteous
元beginning, former time, origin
糺

Similar words

糺ただす
A verb meaning 'to probe' or 'to investigate thoroughly'; 本を正す uses 正す more broadly, but 糺す can appear in the same phrase with a stronger nuance of inquiry.

Etymology

A set phrase combining 本 (もと, 'origin' or 'root') with 正す (ただす, 'to correct' or 'to set right'), literally meaning 'to set the origin right'. The variant with 糺す emphasizes the investigative aspect.

ask, investigate, verify