切り崩す

• Reading: きりくずす
• Romaji: kirikuzusu
• Kanji breakdown: 切 (setsu/ki) — cut; 崩 (hou) — collapse, crumble, break down
• Pronunciation: /ki.ɾi.kɯ.zɯ.sɯ/

Meaning

To break down bit by bit; to wear away; to undermine; to gradually chip away at an opposing majority, resistance, or position.

A Group 1 (godan) verb used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes the erosion or cutting away of earth, rock, or a physical structure. Figuratively, it is commonly used in politics and business to describe gradually winning over opponents or eroding a rival's numerical or strategic advantage. The process implied is persistent and cumulative rather than sudden, distinguishing it from 崩壊させる (to cause to collapse) or 倒す (to knock over).

Examples

1. 野党は地道な説得工作で与党側の議員を少しずつ切り崩していった。 Through patient persuasion efforts, the opposition gradually chipped away at legislators on the ruling side one by one.
2. 大雨による土砂が斜面を切り崩し、道路が完全に通行不能となった。 Landslides from heavy rain eroded the hillside and left the road completely impassable.
3. 相手の主張の矛盾を一つずつ突くことで、弁護士は証人の証言を切り崩した。 By picking off the contradictions in the opposing argument one by one, the lawyer chipped away at the witness's testimony.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, law, geology, strategy, negotiation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 切る (to cut) and 崩す (to break down, to crumble). The image is of cutting into a structure and causing it to erode or collapse section by section.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: All classes