expression, godan verb (-ru)
loosen one's sword slightly in the scabbard
Idiomatic expression referring to the action of slightly drawing a sword from its scabbard, often as a preparatory or threatening gesture. Used in historical or martial contexts.
侍は鯉口を切って、いつでも抜刀できるように構えた。
The samurai loosened his sword in the scabbard, ready to draw at any moment.
The expression derives from 鯉口 (koiguchi), the mouth of the scabbard, and 切る (kiru), here meaning to break or open. The phrase literally describes opening the scabbard mouth by slightly drawing the sword.