1.
iron wall; impregnable defense; unbreakable barrier
Literally an iron wall; figuratively, a defense or barrier that is extremely strong and cannot be broken through. Used both literally and as a metaphor for unshakable defense.
鉄壁の守りを誇るチームだ。
It's a team that boasts an ironclad defense.
相手の鉄壁のディフェンスを崩せなかった。
We couldn't break through the opponent's impregnable defense.
彼は鉄壁のアリバイを用意していたため、警察も手が出せなかった。
He had prepared an airtight alibi, so even the police couldn't touch him.
Literally "iron wall," used figuratively to describe anything that is extremely secure and cannot be penetrated or overcome.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 鉄壁の守り (ironclad defense)
- 鉄壁のディフェンス (impregnable defense)
- 鉄壁のアリバイ (airtight alibi)
- 鉄壁の布陣 (impenetrable formation)
Very common in sports commentary, especially for teams with strong defensive records. Also used in detective fiction and thrillers for unbreakable alibis or security.