手掛(てが)かり

てがかり
noun
clue; hint; lead; handhold
1. clue; hint; lead
Information that helps solve a problem or find something.
事件(じけん)解決(かいけつ)の手掛(てが)かりを探(さが)す。
To search for clues to solve the case.
何(なに)か手掛(てが)かりになるものはありませんか。
Is there anything that could be a clue?
2. handhold; grip
Something to hold onto when climbing or moving.
岩(いわ)の手掛(てが)かりをつかんで登(のぼ)る。
To climb by grabbing handholds on the rock.

FORMATION:
手(て) (hand) + 掛(か)かり (something to hold)

USAGE:

  • 手掛(てが)かりを見(み)つける (to find a clue)
  • 手掛(てが)かりを得(え)る (to obtain a lead)
  • 手掛(てが)かりがない (there's no clue)
  • 手掛(てが)かりをつかむ (to get a grip/lead)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • ヒント - hint (loanword, more casual)
  • 糸口(いとぐち) - clue, starting point
  • 足掛(あしが)かり - foothold
general
Added 2026.1.18 18:27 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06500/06871_tegakari