膠こう漆しつ

noun

glue and lacquer; inseparable bond

Literary metaphor for an extremely close, inseparable relationship, like glue and lacquer that cannot be separated once joined. The literal meaning 'glue and lacquer' is the basis for the figurative use.

• 二人ふたりの友ゆう情じょうは膠こう漆しつの交まじわりのようだ。

  Their friendship is like an inseparable bond of glue and lacquer.

• 古こ典てんでは、夫ふう婦ふの仲なかを膠こう漆しつにたとえることがある。

  In classical literature, the relationship between husband and wife is sometimes likened to glue and lacquer.