expression, Godan verb

Idiomatic expression.
  1. to compete ruthlessly, to sharpen swords.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
 
 
 
 
しのぎを削る しのぎをけずる
 
 
鎬を削る しのぎをけずる

Contained Kanji Breakdown

plane, sharpen, whittle
けず.る サク そ.ぐ (8th, N1)
resemblance
ショウ あやか.る (9th, N1)
month, moon
つき ゲツ ガツ (1st, N5)
knife, standing sword radical (no. 18)
トウ