レール
Meanings
1
Refers to railway tracks or the metal bars that trains run on.
The train is running on the rails.
2
curtain rail; sliding door track
Used for rails or tracks for curtains, sliding doors, drawers, etc.
I install a curtain rail.
3
groundwork; preparations; arrangements
Figurative use, often in the phrase レールを敷く (to lay the groundwork).
For the project's success, we need to lay the groundwork in advance.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉にレールを敷くto lay track (for a railway or sliding fixture)
Construction began to lay track for the new rail line.
- レールを敷くto lay the groundwork; to set someone's course in advance
It's not good for parents to lay out their child's future path in advance.
- レールから外れるto go off the planned track; to deviate from the expected path
He deviated from life's expected track and pursued his own path.
- レールの上を走るto run on rails
The train was running slowly along the rails.
Expressions
- 敷かれたレールpath laid out for one; predetermined course