also: こどりまわし
lively person; quick-witted person
Describes someone who is sharp, alert, and handles things cleverly. Often used in a positive sense for someone who is resourceful and good at managing situations.
彼は小取り回しのきく男だ。
He is a quick-witted man.
あの人は小取り回しが利いて、どんな場でもうまくやる。
That person is resourceful and handles any situation well.
如才ない means tactful and socially adept, often implying smoothness, whereas 小取り回し suggests a more active, sharp, and resourceful character.
Standard kanji spelling for this word.
Variant spelling without the okurigana り.
Abbreviated spelling; less common.
Alternate reading with rendaku; less common.
The word is composed of 小 (small, fine) + 取り回し (handling, management), suggesting someone who handles things with fine, deft skill. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.