thread

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 糸 has 6 strokes and denotes thread.
• Basic usage: 糸 is read いと, and 糸口 is read いとぐち.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Threading a needle
  • 針の穴に白い糸を通した means passed white thread through the eye of a needle.
  • を marks the thread and に marks the opening it passes through.
• A figurative lead
  • 調査の糸口になった means became a lead in an investigation.
  • The compound 糸口 refers to a clue or opening for beginning an investigation or discussion.