糸口(いとぐち)

いとぐち
noun
clue, lead, starting point
1. clue, lead, starting point
A hint or starting point that helps in solving a problem, understanding something, or beginning an endeavor.
解決(かいけつ)の糸口(いとぐち)を探(さが)す。
I'm looking for a clue to the solution.
この証拠(しょうこ)が事件(じけん)の糸口(いとぐち)になるかもしれない。
This evidence might be a lead in the case.
交渉(こうしょう)の糸口(いとぐち)がやっと見(み)つかった。
We finally found a starting point for negotiations.

ETYMOLOGY:
糸(いと) (thread) + 口(くち) (mouth/opening) - literally 'the end of a thread' that you find to unravel something.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 糸口(いとぐち)を見(み)つける (to find a clue)
  • 糸口(いとぐち)を探(さが)す (to search for a lead)
  • 糸口(いとぐち)をつかむ (to grasp a lead)
  • 糸口(いとぐち)になる (to become a starting point)

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 手(て)がかり: clue, lead
  • きっかけ: trigger, opportunity
  • 端緒(たんしょ): beginning, clue (more formal)
general
Added 2026.2.5 11:52
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