草くさの根ね

expression, noun

roots of grass; hidden places

Literal meaning: the roots of grass. Figuratively, it refers to places hidden from sight or hard to find, often used in the set phrase 草の根を分けて探す (search high and low).

See also: 草の根を分けて探す

• 彼かれらは草くさの根ねを分わけて探さがすように犯はん人にんを捜さがした。

  They searched for the criminal as if combing through every blade of grass.

expression, noun

grassroots; rank and file

Common in political and organizational contexts, referring to the ordinary members or local level of a movement, as opposed to the leadership.

• その政せい党とうは草くさの根ねの支し持じを広ひろげようとしている。

  The political party is trying to expand its grassroots support.

• 草くさの根ね運うん動どうが社しゃ会かいを変かえることもある。

  Grassroots movements can sometimes change society.