重し
Meanings
1
stone weight (for pickling)
abbreviation
Specifically a heavy stone placed on top of a pickle tub or similar container to press down the contents. Often abbreviated from 重し石.
See also: 重し石
When my grandmother makes pickles, she puts a weight on them and leaves them overnight.
2
A weight used in a balance or scale for measuring mass. Less common than 分銅 (ふんどう) in modern contexts.
An old balance comes with several weights.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に重しを乗せるto place a weight on top of something
I put a weight on top of the pickling container.
- 〈人・物〉の重しになるto serve as a stabilizing or restraining influence on someone/something
His presence acts as a steadying influence on the team.
- 重しが取れるto be freed from a restraining weight/pressure (often figurative)
With his retirement, it's as if the team lost its steadying anchor.
Expressions
- 重しをするplace a weight on; press down with a weight