1.
prohibited move; forbidden tactic; banned technique
A move or technique that the rules forbid, originally in sumo and board games. By extension, any tactic that is off-limits because it is unfair or against the spirit of a contest.
それは禁じ手だ。
That's a forbidden move.
相撲では目つぶしなどが禁じ手とされている。
In sumo, moves like eye-gouging are treated as prohibited techniques.
値下げ競争は、業界では禁じ手に近いと言われる。
A price war is said to be almost a forbidden tactic within the industry.
Originates in sumo and traditional games, where certain techniques are formally banned. Now widely used figuratively for a tactic one should not resort to, even if not strictly against written rules.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 禁じ手を使う: to use a forbidden move
- 禁じ手とされる: to be regarded as off-limits
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 反則: foul — an actual rule violation and its penalty
- 奥の手: last resort; trump card — a hidden tactic saved for a crucial moment (not necessarily forbidden)