1.
seal of approval; firm guarantee; confident endorsement
Originally referred to a large round seal resembling a drum. Now used figuratively to mean a strong personal guarantee or confident recommendation, typically in the expression 太鼓判を押す.
先生が太鼓判を押した。
The teacher gave a seal of approval.
品質には太鼓判を押せる。
I can guarantee the quality.
料理長が太鼓判を押した新メニューだから、ぜひ食べてみてください。
The head chef has given this new menu item his seal of approval, so please try it.
USAGE:
Almost always used in the set phrase 太鼓判を押す (to stamp one's seal of approval, to guarantee with confidence). The expression implies the speaker is putting their personal reputation behind the endorsement.
ETYMOLOGY:
Originally referred to the large, round gold coins (大判) of the Edo period that bore a prominent round seal (判) resembling a drum (太鼓).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 太鼓判を押す (to give one's seal of approval)
- 太鼓判付き (guaranteed, endorsed)