expression, ichidan verb
trick into revealing the truth; ask a leading question
Idiomatic expression for feigning ignorance or making a calculated remark to draw out information or a confession. Often used in interpersonal or investigative contexts.
彼は鎌をかけて、彼女が本当に知っているかどうか確かめた。
He asked a leading question to check whether she really knew.
刑事は容疑者に鎌をかけて、アリバイの矛盾を引き出した。
The detective tricked the suspect into revealing inconsistencies in his alibi.