雪解(ゆきど)け

ゆきどけ
noun
thaw; melting of snow; snowmelt
weathertime-season
1. the melting of snow; thaw; snowmelt
the period when snow melts as temperatures rise, typically in spring
雪解(ゆきど)けで道(みち)がぬかるんでいる。
The road is muddy from the snowmelt.
雪解(ゆきど)けの季節(きせつ)になった。
It's become the season of thawing snow.
Snowmelt flows into the river.
2. thaw in relations; easing of tensions
figuratively, the improvement of relations between parties who were previously hostile
Signs of a thaw appeared in relations between the two countries.
A thaw finally came between the two who had been fighting.
A mood of reconciliation was born after years of conflict.

Common collocations

  • 雪解(ゆきど)け水(みず) - snowmelt, meltwater
  • 雪解(ゆきど)け道(みち) - road with melting snow (often muddy)
  • 雪解(ゆきど)けの頃(ころ) - around the time of the thaw

Usage

The metaphor of "thaw" (雪解(ゆきど)け) is used for:

  • International relations improving (外交(がいこう)の雪解(ゆきど)け)
  • Personal relationships reconciling
  • Easing of cold or hostile situations

Related words