1.
to fit into, to set into, to embed
To insert or place something precisely into a space or frame designed for it.
窓にガラスを嵌め込む。
To fit glass into a window frame.
指輪に宝石を嵌め込んだ。
A gemstone was set into the ring.
パズルのピースを嵌め込む。
To fit a puzzle piece into place.
2.
to frame, to entrap, to set up
To trick someone into a disadvantageous situation, often by deception or manipulation.
彼は詐欺師に嵌め込まれた。
He was set up by a con artist.
COMPOUND VERB: 嵌める (to fit, to insert) + 込む (to go into) = to fit firmly into place
TRANSITIVITY: Transitive. Takes を to mark what is being fitted in, and に to mark where it's being fitted.
KANJI NOTE: 嵌める can also be written in hiragana as はめる in everyday use. The kanji 嵌 is not commonly known.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 宝石を嵌め込む (to set a gemstone)
- ガラスを嵌め込む (to fit glass into a frame)
- 罠に嵌め込む (to entrap)
- 嵌め込まれる (to be framed - passive)
SENSE 2 NUANCE: The figurative meaning of "framing" or "trapping" someone is colloquial and often used when discussing schemes or fraud. The passive form 嵌め込まれる is common for victims of such schemes.
RELATED ～込む COMPOUND VERBS:
- 追い込む - to corner
- 誘い込む - to lure into
- 押し込む - to push into