守り

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 守り, read まもり, is a noun related to 守る, referring to defense, protection, or a protective charm.
• Basic usage: In 後半は守りを固めて、一点の差を守り切った。, stronger defense in the second half preserved the one-point lead to the end.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Defense and a charm
  • In a game, 守り means defense; 旅の守り refers to a charm for safe travel. Context distinguishes abstract protection from an item received.
• Strengthening defense
  • 守りを固める means to strengthen one's defense. The later 守り切った adds the sense of maintaining it through to the end to the verb 守る.