伏線

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 伏線, read ふくせん, combines concealed or laid down 伏 with connecting line 線 as a narrative-device name.
• Basic usage: It denotes an earlier element planted to hint at a later development, as in 結末への伏線.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Scope and context
  • It need not be an explicit explanation noticed on first reading; its function emerges when connected with a later event.