noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
laying the groundwork; behind-the-scenes maneuvering; consensus-building
Refers to informal, advance negotiations or preparations to build agreement before a formal decision. Common in business and organizational contexts.
会議の前に根回しをしておいたほうがいい。
It's better to lay the groundwork before the meeting.
彼は
He is good at behind-the-scenes maneuvering, so things always go smoothly.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
digging around the roots of a tree (before transplanting)
Original horticultural meaning; now less common than the figurative sense. Refers to cutting or loosening roots to prepare a tree for transplanting.
植木屋さんが移植の前に根回しをしている。
The gardener is digging around the roots before transplanting.