ひとすじなわ 一筋縄 LinksSentence search for 一筋縄Sentence search for ひとすじなわKanji details for 一, 筋 and 縄Edit in JMdict Noun1. (piece of) ropeNoun2. ordinary methodSee also 一筋縄では行かないなんかわ分からないが、ひとすじなわ一筋縄じゃいきそうにないってことだな。ううむ。I don't quite follow, but it looks like it will prove tricky. Ergh. Discussions Log in to talk about this word.