What is the difference between "企てる" and "百尺竿頭"?

"企てる" represents "to plan, to scheme, to plot (often implies something ambitious, potentially negative or secret)" (Level: N2), while "百尺竿頭" represents "reaching the utmost limit of one's ability or position (the top of a hundred-foot pole); often implies a need to go further" (Level: C2PLUS). They belong to the synonym comparative set.

synonym Comparative

企てる

百尺竿頭

Differences Between "企てる" and "百尺竿頭"

Option A

企てる

Meaning

to plan, to scheme, to plot (often implies something ambitious, potentially negative or secret)

Reading

くわだてる (kuwadateru)

Syllabus Level

Practical Example

彼は新しい事業の立ち上げを企てている。

He is planning to launch a new business.

Option B

百尺竿頭

Meaning

reaching the utmost limit of one's ability or position (the top of a hundred-foot pole); often implies a need to go further

Reading

ひゃくしゃくかんとう

Syllabus Level

C2PLUS

Practical Example

私は百尺竿頭に興味があります。

I am interested in reaching the utmost limit of one's ability or position (the top of a hundred-foot pole); often implies a need to go further.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(to plan, to scheme, to plot (often implies something ambitious, potentially negative or secret))"?

🎉 正解 / Correct!

使い分け解説:
- 企てる: 将来何かを実行しようと計画するという意味ですが、特に大規模なことや、人にはあまり知られたくないこと、あるいは少し悪だくみのようなニュアンスで使われることがあります。
- 百尺竿頭: Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus. (CEFR C2PLUS語彙シラバスにおける重要表現です。)

🦅

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