鼎かなえの軽けい重ちょうを問とう

expression, godan verb (-u, special)

question someone's ability; challenge a ruler's competence

Idiomatic expression derived from a classical Chinese story about the weight of a sacred tripod, symbolizing the authority of a ruler. Used to describe doubting or challenging someone's competence, especially a leader's.

• 彼かれのリーダーシップに疑ぎ問もんを持もつ者ものは、鼎かなえの軽けい重ちょうを問とうようなものだ。

  Those who doubt his leadership are essentially questioning his competence.

• 新しん社しゃ長ちょうの手しゅ腕わんを鼎かなえの軽けい重ちょうを問とう声こえが上あがっている。

  There are voices questioning the new president's ability.