孤軍

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 孤軍 (こぐん) is a noun for an isolated military force or, figuratively, a person standing alone.
• Basic usage: It describes a cut-off army in a story or someone alone in opposing a meeting's prevailing view.
  • 物語の孤軍は援軍を待ちながら城を守った。 — The isolated army in the story defended the castle while awaiting reinforcements.
  • 彼は会議で孤軍となり、反対意見を述べ続けた。 — He continued voicing opposition while standing alone in the meeting.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Military force and isolated position
  • 孤軍 can be a literally isolated force or a metaphor for someone facing others without support.