noun
A traditional L-shaped measuring tool used in carpentry. Also written as 指矩.
See also: 曲尺
大工は差し金を使って木材の直角を確かめた。
The carpenter used a carpenter's square to check the right angle of the lumber.
noun
Implies that someone is secretly pulling strings or orchestrating events. Often used in the phrase 差し金で動く (to act at someone's instigation).
彼の突然の辞任は社長の差し金だったらしい。
His sudden resignation seems to have been at the president's instigation.
あの事件の裏には誰かの差し金があるに違いない。
There must be someone's manipulation behind that incident.
noun
prop wire (kabuki)
In kabuki, a thin metal wire used to manipulate prop animals like butterflies or birds on stage.
歌舞伎では、蝶の小道具を差し金で操る。
In kabuki, a prop butterfly is manipulated with a wire.
noun
puppet control rod (bunraku)
In bunraku puppet theater, a rod used to control the arm of a puppet.
文楽の人形遣いは差し金で人形の腕を動かす。
The bunraku puppeteer moves the puppet's arm with a control rod.
Rarely used kanji form.
曲尺 is a general term for a metal carpenter's square, while 差し金 specifically refers to the traditional Japanese L-shaped square.
The exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 差し (sashi, 'inserting' or 'pointing') and 金 (kane, 'metal') likely refer to the tool's metal construction and its use in measuring. The figurative sense of 'instigation' may derive from the idea of pulling strings or directing from behind, similar to manipulating a puppet.