groundwork; preparation; laying the foundation
Figurative use: doing the necessary preparatory work or establishing a solid base before starting something important. Often used in business, politics, or personal projects.
Before launching a new business, you need to do thorough groundwork.
Before entering negotiations, laying the groundwork and behind-the-scenes preparation are essential.
leg strengthening; walking practice; footwork training
Physical training to strengthen the legs and improve stability, often for sports, martial arts, or rehabilitation. Can refer to exercises like squats, walking, or specific drills.
Before the mountain climb, I do leg-strengthening training every day.
In rehabilitation, let's start with leg strengthening first.
leg hold; leg lock
In wrestling, judo, and other grappling sports, a technique where the opponent's leg is held or locked to control or submit them.
He pinned his opponent with a leg hold technique.
In judo, a leg lock is a type of joint technique.
underfloor beam; floor joist connector
In traditional Japanese architecture, a horizontal wooden beam that connects and stabilizes the pillars supporting the floor. A technical carpentry term.
Under the floor of old houses, a horizontal beam called ashigatame is used.
The carpenter firmly fixed the underfloor beam to the pillars.
脚力 means leg strength as an attribute; 足固め refers to the training or exercises to build that strength.
Compound of 足 (ashi, 'foot, leg') and 固め (katame, 'hardening, strengthening'), from the verb 固める (katameru, 'to harden, strengthen'). The figurative sense of 'groundwork' likely developed from the idea of making one's footing firm.