予よ防ぼう線せんを張はる

よ

ぼ

う

せ

ん

を

は

る

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-ru)

take precautions; set up a defense

Literally 'stretch a defense line'; used figuratively for taking advance measures to prevent trouble or criticism.

彼かれは失しっ敗ぱいしたときのために、あらかじめ予よ防ぼう線せんを張はっていた。
He had taken precautions in advance in case he failed.
上じょう司しに反はん論

ろん

さ

れる

前まえ

に

予よ

防ぼう

線せん

を

張は

っ

て

おく

。

I set up a defense before my boss can argue back.

Written forms

予よ防ぼう線せんを張はる
Standard kanji spelling for the full expression.
予よ防ぼう線せんをはる
Kana spelling of the verb part; common in everyday writing.

Kanji

予beforehand, previous, myself
防ward off, defend, protect
線line, track
張counter for bows & stringed instruments, stretch, spread

Similar words

備そなえる
備える is a general verb for 'prepare' or 'equip'; 予防線を張る specifically implies creating a preemptive defense or excuse.
予よ防ぼう策さく
予防策 is a noun meaning 'preventive measure'; 予防線を張る is the action of setting up such a defense, often with a nuance of protecting oneself from blame.

Etymology

Compound of 予防 (prevention) + 線 (line) + を + 張る (stretch). The expression figuratively extends the idea of setting up a physical defensive line to taking preemptive measures.