暖簾に腕押し（のれんにうでおし）
JLPT N2 · noun
Meaning: futile effort
Example sentences
- 説得しても暖簾に腕押しで、手応えがない。 — Even trying to persuade him got nowhere—there was no response at all.
- 何を言っても暖簾に腕押しだ。 — Whatever I say, it's like hitting a brick wall.
Related words
See it used in real works
- Example sentences from Japanese novels & web fiction (Massif)
- Hear “暖簾に腕押し” pronounced in real videos (YouGlish)