小手先
Meanings
tip of the hand; use of one's hands
Literal meaning: the fingertips or the skill of using one's hands. Often used in contexts of manual dexterity or technique.
The craftsman's fingertip movements are very delicate.
cheap trick; superficial cleverness; makeshift; shortsighted
Figurative use: describes actions or measures that are shallow, short-sighted, or rely on mere technique without substance. Often negative, implying lack of genuine thought or long-term planning. Can be used as a noun or with の to modify another noun.
You can't solve the real problem with just superficial techniques.
Everyone was disappointed by his makeshift response.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は小手先が器用だsomeone is dexterous with their hands/fingers
He's dexterous with his hands and good at fine, detailed work.
- 小手先の〈事〉a shallow, quick-fix (measure, technique, etc.)
A superficial response won't actually solve the problem.
- 小手先で〈動詞〉to get by using nothing but shallow tricks
He tried to get through it with mere tricks, but it didn't work.