moat

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 堀 refers to a dug moat or ditch; its kun-reading is ほり.
• Basic usage: 堀(ほり) means moat or ditch, while 外堀(そとぼり) means a castle's outer moat.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A ditch and a negotiating metaphor
  • 畑の脇の堀 means a ditch beside a field. 堀 can refer to a ditch carrying rainwater as well as a defensive moat around a castle.
  • In negotiations, 外堀を埋めた figuratively means that someone first won over the surrounding people and secured outside support. The sense extends from an outer moat to the surrounding network of support.