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The lower element is an enclosure. The upper element is a plow. The combination of elements indicates "exert heavy downward pressure in plowing furrows into an enclosed field." Platform, pedestal, and counter for machines/cars are borrowed meanings. (Part 1 of 3)
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| Exert heavy downward pressure |
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adds woman to indicate a fetus hanging heavily in the womb (compare the character below). Begin and start are associated meanings (pregnancy as the origin of life). |
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adds flesh to indicate a fetus hanging heavily in the womb (compare the character above). Thus the meanings embryo and womb. |
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adds ice (here suggesting an object that melts) to indicate a heavy, melting block of ice. Thus the meaning melting. Smelting is an associated meaning. |
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| Exert heavy downward pressure |
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adds grass/plant to indicate pressure exerted by heavy rocks carpeted with moss or lichen. Thus the meanings moss and lichen. |
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adds severed bone/death to suggest "be in danger of being crushed." Almost and quite are extended meanings, in the sense of a high degree of likelihood of being injured. |
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adds bamboo to indicate a (bamboo) rod or whip, brought down with great force. |
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