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端を開く (たんをひらく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ku)
provide impetus ; set things in motion ; open the way
Idiomatic expression meaning to create an opportunity or trigger that leads to further developments. Often used when someone's action or remark starts a chain of events.
究きゅう
の
端たん
を
開ひら
く
こと
も
ある
。
A small discovery can sometimes open the way for major research.
Similar words きっかけ きっかけ is a common noun for a trigger or opportunity, while 端を開く is a more formal, literary verb phrase meaning to create that trigger.
口くち 火び を 切き る 口火を切る means to start something or break the ice, often in a social context. 端を開く focuses more on providing the initial impetus for a process or development.
Etymology The expression combines 端 (beginning, edge) and 開く (to open), literally 'to open the beginning'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it is a relatively modern idiomatic phrase.
