expression, ichidan verb
perform surgery; operate; use a scalpel
Literal medical sense: to make an incision or perform a surgical operation.
医師は患部にメスを入れた。
The doctor made an incision in the affected area.
緊急手術で、すぐにメスを入れる必
In the emergency surgery, they had to operate immediately.
expression, ichidan verb
take drastic action; investigate thoroughly; get to the bottom of
Idiomatic extension: to tackle a problem head-on, often by exposing hidden issues or making a bold, decisive move. Common in business, politics, and journalism.
政府は汚職問題にメスを入れると発表した。
The government announced it would take drastic measures to address the corruption issue.
この組織の非効率な体質にメスを入れなければならない。
We must make a searching inquiry into the inefficiency of this organization.