1.
framework; backbone; foundation; mainstay
The fundamental supporting structure of something, used figuratively for the core support of a family, organization, or system. Originally refers to the wooden frame of a festival float or stall.
彼は家の屋台骨だ。
He is the backbone of the family.
会社の屋台骨を支えているのはベテラン社員たちだ。
It is the veteran employees who support the backbone of the company.
不況で国の屋台骨が揺らいでいる。
The recession is shaking the very foundations of the country.
Originally refers to the wooden frame (骨 = bone, frame) of an 屋台 (festival float or portable stall). Since this frame is what holds the entire structure together, the word came to mean the fundamental support of any organization or system.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 屋台骨を支える: to support the backbone/foundation
- 屋台骨が揺らぐ: the foundation wavers
- 屋台骨が傾く: the foundation tilts (i.e., is in trouble)
- 家の屋台骨: the pillar of the family
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 大黒柱: main pillar, breadwinner — similar metaphor but specifically for the central pillar of a house
- 基盤: foundation, base — more abstract and formal
- 礎: cornerstone, foundation — more literary