伏ふく線せんを張はる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

foreshadow; drop a hint of things to come

Used in storytelling, speeches, or plans to plant an early clue or hint that will be important later.

• 小しょう説せつの冒ぼう頭とうで、作さく者しゃは巧たくみに伏ふく線せんを張はっている。

  At the beginning of the novel, the author skillfully lays the groundwork for later events.

• 彼かれの何なに気げない一ひと言ことが、後あとの展てん開かいへの伏ふく線せんを張はっていた。

  His casual remark foreshadowed the later development.

expression, godan verb (-ru)

take precautionary measures; make contingency plans

Extended from the storytelling sense; used when someone prepares in advance for possible future situations, often in business or personal planning.

• プロジェクトの失しっ敗ぱいに備そなえて、あらかじめ伏ふく線せんを張はっておいた。

  I took precautionary measures in advance in case the project failed.