1A thick, strong rope or cord used for tying or pulling things.
船を杭に綱でしっかり結んだ。
We tied the boat firmly to the post with a rope.
綱引きでは全員が力を合わせて綱を引く。
In tug-of-war, everyone pulls the rope together.
頼みの綱はもうこれしかない。
This is the only lifeline (last resort) left.
高所での作業には命綱が欠かせない。
A safety rope is essential for work at heights.
2In sumo, the thick braided white rope worn around the waist by a yokozuna (grand champion) during the ring-entering ceremony; a symbol of that rank.
新横綱は白い綱を締めて土俵入りを果たした。
The newly promoted yokozuna performed the ring-entering ceremony wearing the white tsuna.
綱を締める姿には横綱らしい風格が漂っていた。
The sight of him wearing the tsuna carried the dignified bearing of a yokozuna.