expression, ichidan verb
raise with personal care; bring up by hand
Implies devoted, hands-on nurturing, often used for children, students, or projects one has personally overseen. Literally 'to apply hand-salt', evoking careful seasoning.
彼女は三人の子供を手塩にかけて育てた。
She raised her three children with devoted personal care.
この盆栽は祖
This bonsai is something my grandfather carefully nurtured himself.