ground technique; pinning technique
In judo, wrestling, and sumo, a technique applied while both opponents are on the ground, such as a hold-down, choke, or joint lock.
underhanded dealings; dirty trick
Figurative extension from martial arts: a sneaky or behind-the-scenes maneuver, often in politics or business. Carries a negative nuance of unfairness.
I'm fed up with the underhanded dealings in politics.
He is good at ground techniques and often pins his opponent in matches.
あの会社は寝技を使って契約を取ったらしい。
That company apparently used dirty tricks to get the contract.
Standard kanji spelling; used in both martial arts and figurative senses.
Rarely used kanji form; 業 can imply a crafty or underhanded technique, but 寝技 is overwhelmingly more common.
Compound of 寝 (ne, 'sleep' or 'lying down') and 技 (waza, 'technique'). Originally a martial arts term for ground techniques, later extended figuratively to sneaky tactics.