1.
defining characteristic; identifiable quality; point to pin down
A distinctive trait or quality that allows one to understand or characterize something or someone. Most commonly used in the negative form, describing someone or something that is hard to pin down or define.
Composed of 掴み (grasping) and 所 (place, point). Almost always appears in the negative pattern 掴み所がない, describing something or someone that is vague, elusive, or hard to define. Used for people whose personality is unclear or ambiguous, or for abstract things that lack a clear focus.
Common collocations
Usage
The positive form (掴み所がある) is rare. The word is predominantly encountered in the negative. It can also be written 掴み所 as a single unit or in kana as つかみどころ.