王おう手てをかける

expression, ichidan verb

to check (in chess)

Literal chess/shogi term: to put the opponent's king in check. Used in board game contexts.

• 彼かれは巧こう妙みょうな手てで王おう手てをかけた。

  He put the king in check with a clever move.

expression, ichidan verb

to threaten (someone's position); to close in on

Idiomatic use derived from chess: to put pressure on someone's position, to be on the verge of surpassing or defeating them. Often used in sports, business, or competition contexts.

• 新しん人じん選せん手しゅがベテランに王おう手てをかけている。

  The rookie is closing in on the veteran.

• その企き業ぎょうは市し場じょうシェアでトップに王おう手てをかけた。

  That company has threatened the top spot in market share.