穴あなを埋うめる

expression, ichidan verb

fill in a hole

Literal physical filling of a hole, gap, or opening.

• 庭にわにできた穴あなを埋うめる。

  I fill in the hole that appeared in the garden.

expression, ichidan verb

plug a gap; make up for a deficiency; cover a deficit

Figurative use: compensating for a shortage of money, personnel, or other resources.

• 新あたらしい収しゅう入にゅうで予よ算さんの穴あなを埋うめる。

  We cover the budget gap with new income.

• 退たい職しょく者しゃの穴あなを埋うめる人じん材ざいを探さがしている。

  We are looking for someone to fill the gap left by the retiree.