noun, takes する

  1. laying the groundwork, behind-the-scenes maneuvering, consensus-building process.
  2. digging around the roots of a tree (before transplanting).

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
根回し ねまわし

Contained Kanji Breakdown

root, radical, head (pimple)
ね コン (3rd, N2)
tree, wood
き モク こ- (1st, N5)
northeast (Oriental zodiac), stopping, good radical (no. 138)
うしとら コン (Kentei Pre-1)
day, sun, Japan
ひ にっ ニチ (1st, N5)
garment, clothes, dressing
イ ころも きぬ (4th, N2)
kettle lid radical (no. 8)
トウ (Kentei 1)
garment(衣) variant
-times, round, game
カイ まわ.る エ (2nd, N3)
box, box or enclosure radical (no. 31)
イ コク (Kentei 1)
mouth
くち コウ ク (1st, N4)