息いきがかかる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

to have the backing of; to be under the patronage of

Idiomatic expression meaning that an influential person or organization provides support, often behind the scenes. The subject is the person or entity receiving the support, and the supporter is marked with に.

• 彼かれは有ゆう力りょくな政せい治じ家かに息いきがかかっているらしい。

  He seems to have the backing of an influential politician.

• このプロジェクトには大だい企き業ぎょうの息いきがかかっている。

  This project is under the patronage of a major corporation.