帯に短し、たすきに長し（おびにみじかし、たすきにながし）
JLPT N2 · noun
Meaning: neither long enough for a sash nor short enough for a band
Example sentences
- この道具は帯に短したすきに長しで使いにくい。 — This tool is neither one thing nor the other, so it's awkward to use.
- どれも帯に短したすきに長しで決めかねる。 — None of them quite fit the bill, so I can't decide.
Related words
See it used in real works
- Example sentences from Japanese novels & web fiction (Massif)
- Hear “帯に短し、たすきに長し” pronounced in real videos (YouGlish)