塩しおをまく

expression, godan verb (-ku)

to scatter salt for purification

Refers to the Shinto or folk practice of throwing salt to purify a space or ward off evil. Can also be used figuratively or insultingly to indicate that someone is unwelcome, as if driving them away with purifying salt.

• 相撲すもうでは、土ど俵ひょうに塩しおをまく。

  In sumo, they scatter salt on the ring.

• 帰かえった客きゃくに塩しおをまくように掃そう除じした。

  She cleaned as if scattering salt after the unwelcome guest left.