The skillful handling or manipulation of something (e.g., knife work, footwork); control or technique in managing physical actions.
彼の包丁さばきは見事で、魚をあっという間に捌いてしまった。
His knife work was remarkable; he filleted the fish in no time.
踊り手の足さばきが軽やかで、会場から拍手が起きた。
The dancer's footwork was light and graceful, and the audience applauded.
馬の手綱さばきに慣れている人は安心して任せられる。
One can safely rely on someone experienced in handling the horse's reins.
Dealing with or managing things such as sales, customers, inventory disposal, or administrative handling.
店は在庫のさばきに苦労している。
The store is having trouble disposing of its stock.
彼女は客さばきが上手で、クレーム処理もてきぱきとこなす。
She is good at dealing with customers and handles complaints efficiently.
売れ残り商品のさばき方を見直す必要がある。
There's a need to review how to deal with unsold merchandise.
In go (and similar board games), 'sabaki' refers to techniques for properly handling weak or entangled stones to improve shape and position.
この局面では右辺のサバキが勝敗を分けた。
In this position, the sabaki on the right side decided the outcome of the game.
序盤でうまくサバキを利かせられれば、形を整えやすい。
If you can apply sabaki well in the opening, it's easier to shape a good position.