抱き込む

• Reading: だきこむ
• Romaji: dakikomu
• Kanji breakdown: 抱 (hou/da) — to embrace, to hold; 込む (komu) — to go into, to pack in
• Pronunciation: /da.ki.ko.mɯ/

Meaning

To win someone over to one's side; to co-opt or recruit; to bring into one's inner circle, often through persuasion or inducement.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb combining 抱く (to embrace) and 込む (to go into thoroughly). Carries a nuance of calculated persuasion or even manipulation — the person being 'embraced' is often being drawn in for one's own purposes rather than out of genuine goodwill.

Examples

1. 反対派を抱き込むことで、法案はようやく可決された。 By winning over the opposition, the bill was finally passed.
2. 彼は競合他社の幹部を抱き込んで新会社を設立した。 He co-opted executives from a rival company and established a new firm.
3. その政治家は地元有力者を抱き込む工作を続けた。 The politician continued maneuvering to bring local power brokers into his inner circle.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, business, negotiations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 抱く (to embrace, hold close) and 込む (to work inward thoroughly). The metaphor suggests pulling someone into one's embrace — and by extension into one's sphere of influence.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional