05:47 Aug 7, 2012 |
Japanese to English translations [PRO] Other | |||||||
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| Selected response from: humbird | ||||||
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something bound to fail due to inadequate effort, assistance, etc.; pouring water on a hot stone Explanation: 焼け石に水 読み方:やけいしにみず (表現) something bound to fail due to inadequate effort, assistance, etc.; pouring water on a hot stone Reference: http://ejje.weblio.jp/content/%E7%84%BC%E3%81%91%E7%9F%B3%E3... |
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not enough/inadequate Explanation: http://www.fureai.or.jp/~arima/ml39.html |
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not help much Explanation: I do not see a reason to use a Japanese proverb for this sentence. It would be enough to say “that did not help much.” Reference: http://economistsview.typepad.com/economistsview/2012/08/fed... |
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Not only ineffectual, but can do more harm than good/ like pouring water on a hot stone Explanation: I believe this metaphor carries two implications. 1) water does not cool down a hot stone much and evaporates on contact 2) pouring water on a hot stone can cause it to crack Choose whether to spell it out or use the metaphor based on the reader/audience. |
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futile effort Explanation: If you want it literal jgraves already gave you really good answer. But as you know this is a common cliche frequently used in daily conversations as well as writings. If you're looking for succinct counterpart in English, I believe, this is what it means, and fits to the context quite well. |
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(efforts were) in vain Explanation: an alternative |
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