Noun の手前 (~no temae)
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
試験の手前、遊びに行くのはやめた方がいい。
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.
彼女と別れる手前、思い直しました。
Kanojo to wakareru temae, omoinaoshimashita.
Just before breaking up with her, I changed my mind.
締め切りの手前で、やっとレポートが完成しました。
Shimekiri no temae de, yatto repooto ga kansei shimashita.
I finally finished the report just before the deadline.
選挙の手前、政治の話が多くなります。
Senkyo no temae, seiji no hanashi ga ooku narimasu.
Just before the election, there will be a lot of political talk.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.