strong hips; tenacious lower body
Refers to physical lower-body strength and stability, especially in sumo or martial arts. Also used figuratively for persistence or resilience in difficult situations.
He pushed his opponent out of the ring with his tenacious lower-body strength.
In negotiations, persistence pays off.
Compound of 粘り (ねばり, 'stickiness, tenacity') and 腰 (こし, 'hips, lower back'). The figurative sense derives from the physical image of a stable, unyielding stance.