1.
deciding factor; clincher; trump card
The key element or move that determines an outcome. Used for the decisive factor in competitions, negotiations, arguments, or choices.
決め手に欠ける。
To lack a deciding factor.
購入の決め手は価格だった。
The deciding factor for the purchase was the price.
証拠が不十分で、有罪にする決め手がなかった。
The evidence was insufficient, and there was no clincher for a guilty verdict.
USAGE:
決め手 literally combines 決める (to decide) and 手 (hand/move), originally referring to a decisive move in sumo or martial arts. It now broadly means any deciding factor. The phrase 決め手に欠ける (to lack a deciding factor) is very common and means that nothing stands out enough to tip the balance.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 決め手に欠ける: to lack a deciding factor
- 決め手になる: to become the deciding factor
- 決め手がない: there is no clincher
- 最大の決め手: the biggest deciding factor