O-soto-gari is often demonstrated as a students first technique - somewhat ruining the reputation of this throw, as done badly and forgotten about by some. Done correctly this technique is awesome however, and deserves the respect of all Judoki. I have always assumed (please tell me if incorrect!)that the 'reaping' is from the use of a sythe (or a sickle as in gyaku-gama) whilst literally 'reaping the harvest' and that sweeping action.
Stepping past the uke, the tori lifts their closest leg up and through and sweeps back with all of their might, tori's arms forcing the uke's chest backwards.
Known as various names in the past, such as kaeri-nage (return throw), gyaku-gama (reverse sickle - presumably where the 'reaping' comes from?) and ke-keashi (kick turnover). This can also be confused with kuchiki-taoshi (the wonderfully named 'pushing the rotten tree'), o-soto-guruma (major outer wheel) and o-soto-otoshi (major outer drop).
