楔くさび

noun

wedge; chock; linchpin

A physical wedge used to split, tighten, or secure something. Also used metaphorically for something that drives a wedge between people or ideas.

• 丸まる太たに楔くさびを打うち込こんで割わった。

  I drove a wedge into the log and split it.

• その発はつ言げんが二人ふたりの間あいだに楔くさびを打うち込こんだ。

  That remark drove a wedge between the two of them.

noun

tie; bond; link

Figurative use: something that binds or connects people, often in a positive sense. Less common than the wedge meaning.

• 友ゆう情じょうの楔くさびを深ふかめる。

  Deepen the bonds of friendship.