evil influence; clutches of evil
Figurative expression for a harmful, corrupting force or influence, often personified as reaching out to ensnare someone. Used in contexts like crime, addiction, or moral danger.
See also: 魔手
He fell into the clutches of gambling.
We must protect young people from the tentacles of drugs.
Compound of 魔 (ma, 'demon, evil spirit') + の (no, possessive particle) + 手 (te, 'hand'), literally 'hand of the demon'. The figurative meaning of an evil, grasping influence is a natural extension of the literal image.