Explanation
Expresses the idea of 'Before doing something; on the verge of'.
Formation
Noun + の手前
Detailed explanation
This grammar point is used to express the idea of being on the verge of doing something, or just before some major action/event. Nouns that are frequently used with this structure often denote an action or event (試験の手前, 選挙の手前, etc.).
Examples
Shiken no temae, asobi ni iku no wa yameta hou ga ii.
Just before the exam, it's better to stop going out to play.
Kanojo to wakareru temae, omoinaoshimashita.
Just before breaking up with her, I changed my mind.
Shimekiri no temae de, yatto repooto ga kansei shimashita.
I finally finished the report just before the deadline.
Senkyo no temae, seiji no hanashi ga ooku narimasu.
Just before the election, there will be a lot of political talk.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.