二人三脚
Meanings
1
three-legged race
A race in which two people run together with their adjacent legs tied together.
I participated in the three-legged race at the sports day.
2
close cooperation; working in tandem
Figurative use describing two parties (people, companies, etc.) working closely together toward a single goal, as if tied together like in a three-legged race.
The two companies developed the new product in close cooperation.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉と二人三脚で〈動詞〉to do something in close, step-by-step cooperation with someone
My husband and I have built up our little shop working closely side by side.
- 二人三脚を走るto run a three-legged race
I ran a three-legged race with a friend at the sports day.
- 二人三脚で〈事〉を乗り越えるto get through something together, in lockstep
They got through the financial troubles by working together in tandem.