水みずを向むける

expression, ichidan verb

try to draw someone out; fish for information

Idiomatic expression for subtly prompting someone to speak or reveal information, often by making an indirect remark or asking a leading question.

• 彼かれに水みずを向むけてみたが、何なにも話はなしてくれなかった。

  I tried to draw him out, but he didn't tell me anything.

expression, ichidan verb

present water to spirits (shrine maiden)

Rare, specialized ritual use: a shrine maiden offers water while invoking spirits. Not used in everyday conversation.

• 巫女みこが神しん前ぜんに水みずを向むける儀ぎ式しきがある。

  There is a ritual in which a shrine maiden presents water before the gods.

expression, ichidan verb

offer water before a grave

Rare, literal use: pouring or placing water as an offering at a grave. More commonly expressed as 水を供える.

• お墓はかに水みずを向むけて手てを合あわせた。

  I offered water at the grave and put my hands together in prayer.