がっぷり四よつ

noun

grappling firmly; locked together in a four-limbed hold

Sumo term describing a position where both wrestlers have a firm double inside grip on each other's mawashi, with their bodies locked together. Also used figuratively for a close, intense confrontation.

See also: 四つ

• 両りょう力りき士しはがっぷり四よつに組くんだ。

  The two sumo wrestlers locked together in a firm four-limbed hold.

• 議ぎ論ろんはがっぷり四よつの状じょう態たいが続つづいている。

  The debate remains in a deadlocked, close confrontation.