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laying the groundwork; behind-the-scenes maneuvering; consensus-building process
digging around the roots of a tree (before transplanting)
会議の前に関係者への根回しを済ませておいた。
I finished laying the groundwork with stakeholders before the meeting.
根回しなしに提案すると反対されることが多い。
Proposals without prior consultation are often opposed.
政治の世界では根回しが重要な役割を果たす。
In politics, behind-the-scenes coordination plays an important role.