機き鋒ほう

noun

brunt; sharp edge of an argument; cutting remark

Rare literary term, originally from Zen Buddhism referring to the sharp point of a master's words that cuts through delusion. In modern contexts, it can mean the brunt or sharp edge of a verbal attack or argument.

• 彼かれの機き鋒ほうに満みちた言こと葉ばに、相あい手ては何なにも言いえなかった。

  Faced with his sharp, cutting words, the opponent could say nothing.

• 禅ぜん問もん答どうでは、師しの機き鋒ほうが弟で子しの迷まよいを断たち切きる。

  In Zen dialogue, the master's sharp retort cuts through the disciple's delusion.