noun
A rigid bar used to lift or move something by applying force at one point and pivoting on a fulcrum.
てこを使って重い石を持ち上げた。
I lifted the heavy stone using a lever.
noun
driving force; instrument; helper
Figurative use: a person or thing that acts as a catalyst, tool, or assistant to bring about a result. Sense 3 (assistant/helper) is a natural extension of this instrumental meaning.
彼の提案がプロジェクト成功のてこになった。
His proposal became the driving force behind the project's success.
彼女は社長のてこ
She works actively as the president's right-hand person.
Abbreviated kanji form; very rare.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 梃子 are ateji (phonetic equivalents) and do not reflect the word's derivation.