差し掛かる
さしかかる · sashikakaru · JLPT N1 · verb-godan
to approach
🛣️ 差し掛かる = 差す (extend toward) + 掛かる (reach): extending toward a place, almost there
差 — 垂 (drooping) + 工 (work/tool)
Originally depicted a hand reaching down to grasp grain stalks of uneven length, suggesting discrepancy or unevenness. From this came the meaning 'difference' or 'to differ.' The reading chā specifically carries the sense of disparity, while other readings developed meanings like 'to dispatch' (chāi) and 'poor/lacking' (chà).