clue; lead; key; handhold; hold
foothold; footing; toehold; stepping stone
recommendation of an influential person
(by force of) circumstances
(by force of) circumstances
covered bridge passageway connecting the backstage (mirror room) to the noh stage
catching a fishing hook on seaweed, coral, etc. on the seabed or riverbed
labor productivity unit; productivity; production rate; man hours
double corner approach (tactic in the game of go)