Meaning clarification about「扱う」and 「禁じ手」 in this sentence


The parts marked in bold are what I am unsure about in this sentence...

「すでに敵対組織はかなり掃討されたのに、麻薬の流通量がちっとも減らないのは、謎のボスが **禁じ手** のはずだった麻薬を **扱いだしている**
からなんじゃないのか、と思うんだが...」

The dictionary entries of 「 **禁じ手** 」usually are limited to 'unallowed moves'
or fouls in sports; however judging from this sentence I believe it can mean
something like 'taboo' as well. Furthermore I was struggling with
understanding 「 **扱いだして** 」but I think it means something like 'starting to
sell/handle/etc.' here.

In short my questions are whether my understanding of above-mentioned is
correct or not.




You have basically answered your own questions, so I will be brief.

"Taboo" is an excellent translation for 「禁{きん}じ手{て}」.

The 「手」 in this word originally means "a move or technique" used in sumo,
shogi, go, etc. 「禁じ手」, therefore, originally refers to a prohibited technique
or move in those sports and games.

The 「だす」 in 「扱{あつか}いだす」 is 「出す」. When 「出す」 is used as a subsidiary verb, it is
often written in kana and it means "to start ~~ing".




You have basically answered your own questions, so I will be brief.

"Taboo" is an excellent translation for 「禁{きん}じ手{て}」.

The 「手」 in this word originally means "a move or technique" used in sumo,
shogi, go, etc. 「禁じ手」, therefore, originally refers to a prohibited technique
or move in those sports and games.

The 「だす」 in 「扱{あつか}いだす」 is 「出す」. When 「出す」 is used as a subsidiary verb, it is
often written in kana and it means "to start ~~ing".

