言こと葉ば尻じり

noun

word ending; way of ending one's words

Refers to the tail end of a word or phrase, or the manner in which a speaker finishes their utterance. Often used when discussing speech patterns, tone, or catching someone's words.

• 彼かれは言こと葉ば尻じりがいつも曖あい昧まいだ。

  The way he ends his words is always vague.

• 相あい手ての言こと葉ば尻じりをとらえて反はん論ろんする。

  Seize on the end of the other person's words and argue back.

noun

slip of the tongue; verbal mistake

Used in the set phrase 言葉尻を捉える (to catch someone's slip of the tongue). Rarely used outside this expression.

See also: 言葉尻を捉える

• 彼かれは言こと葉ば尻じりを捉とらえられて、言いい訳わけできなくなった。

  He was caught on a slip of the tongue and couldn't make any excuses.