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.
彼に水を向けてみたが、何も話してくれなかった。
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.
巫女が神前に水を向ける儀式がある。
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.
お墓に水を向けて手を合わせた。
I offered water at the grave and put my hands together in prayer.