土俵際
Meanings
1
edge of the sumo ring
Literal sumo term: the straw-bale boundary of the dohyō. Used when a wrestler is pushed to the edge.
The sumo wrestler held his ground at the edge of the ring.
2
Figurative extension: a situation where one is pushed to the limit, just before a decisive outcome. Common in news and business contexts.
The negotiations were driven to the brink.
They won with a last-minute turnaround.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が土俵際に押し込まれるto be pushed to the edge of the ring
The wrestler was pushed to the edge of the ring but managed to stay in.
- 〈人〉が土俵際で踏みとどまるto hold one's ground at the brink of defeat
The negotiations were on the verge of collapse, but they managed to hold their ground at the last moment.
- 〈人〉が土俵際に立たされるto be put in a critical, do-or-die situation
Due to poor performance, the company is now on the brink of collapse.
- 〈人〉が土俵際で逆転するto turn the tables at the very last moment
The election was won by a last-minute reversal.