口くちがかかる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

be summoned (geisha, entertainer)

Specifically used when a geisha or similar entertainer is called by a customer. A traditional term from the pleasure quarters.

• お座ざ敷しきが入はいると、芸げい者しゃに口くちがかかる。

  When a party is booked, the geisha are summoned.

expression, godan verb (-ru)

be offered a job; be invited to do

Used when someone is approached with a job offer or invitation, often in the pattern 〜の口が掛かる. Implies an unsolicited offer.

• 彼かれにはいくつかの会かい社しゃから役やく員いんの口くちが掛かかっている。

  He has been offered executive positions by several companies.

• 思おもわぬところから講こう演えんの口くちが掛かかった。

  I was unexpectedly invited to give a lecture.