All that effort for nothing with 水の泡になる
The expression 水の泡になる (also 水の泡となる) is used to describe something that has been wasted, lost, or ruined, much like how bubbles quickly dissipate and disappear. The phrase conveys the idea of efforts, work, or plans that come to nothing or are in vain. Similar expressions in English include “go up in flames”, “go up in smoke”, “go down the drain”, and “gone to waste”.
Literal Meaning
This expression literally translates as “to become bubbles of water”.
Usage
It might be used when something that was expected to succeed or had potential ends up being fruitless or completely undone. The nuance is generally one of disappointment or frustration, emphasizing the futility or the sudden disappearance of something that was once tangible.
Examples
All that murder planning for nothing with 水の泡になる
After discovering who the murderer is, Conan explains why the murderer went after Ran. He pinpoints when Ran unknowingly discovered a vital clue.
- コナン:
- 「あの時、蘭の事気にもとめてなかったが、もし思い出されたらせっかく組み立てたこの殺人計画がすべて水の泡になる…」
- “Ran didn't think anything of it at the time, but if she remembered it, all the murderous plans he worked so hard on putting together would go up in smoke.”