noun
source of revenue; financial supporter
Refers to a person, organization, or thing that provides a steady flow of money. Often used in contexts like business, politics, or personal finance.
あの政治家にとって、地元の建設会社は大切な金づるだ。
For that politician, the local construction company is an important source of revenue.
彼は親を金づるにしている。
He uses his parents as a financial supporter.
資金源 is a more formal term for 'funding source', while 金づる is colloquial and often implies a somewhat exploitative or dependent relationship.
Compound of 金 (money) and 蔓/づる (vine). The vine metaphor suggests something that can be 'tapped' or 'milked' for money.