1.
to take the plunge, to make a decisive move
To make a firm decision to do something significant, especially after hesitation.
長年悩んだ末、ついに転職に踏み切った。
After years of deliberation, I finally took the plunge and changed jobs.
起業に踏み切るには勇気がいる。
It takes courage to take the plunge into starting a business.
2.
to take off, to jump
To push off the ground with one's foot to jump or leap, as in athletics.
選手は力強く踏み切って跳んだ。
The athlete pushed off powerfully and jumped.
USAGE: 踏み切る is a compound verb combining 踏む (to step on) and 切る (to cut, completion). The figurative sense (sense 1) of making a decisive commitment is more common in everyday use.
TRANSITIVITY: Intransitive (自動詞). Takes に for the action one decides to take.
ASPECT: 踏み切った emphasizes completion of the decision. 踏み切れない indicates inability to make the decision.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 決断に踏み切る (to make a firm decision)
- 購入に踏み切る (to take the plunge to purchase)
- 独立に踏み切る (to decide to become independent)
RELATED: 踏切 (railroad crossing) uses the same kanji but is a different word.
NOTE: Often used with ついに or 思い切って to emphasize the decisiveness.