expression, godan verb (-ku)
to scatter salt for purification
Refers to the Shinto or folk practice of throwing salt to purify a space or ward off evil. Can also be used figuratively or insultingly to indicate that someone is unwelcome, as if driving them away with purifying salt.
相撲では、土俵に塩をまく。
In sumo, they scatter salt on the ring.
帰った客に塩をまくように掃除した。
She cleaned as if scattering salt after the unwelcome guest left.