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.”
Losing all that built-up friendship with 水の泡になる
Although Fujimiya loses her memory of friends every Monday morning, she and Hase have become close enough that she feels comfortable around him when meeting him “for the first time” at school each Monday. Hase fears that progress will be lost during summer break.
- 長谷:
- 「俺はせっかくの今までの努力が水の泡になるのが嫌なの！」
- “I hate seeing all my hard work up to now go down the drain!”
- 「藤宮さんも頑張ってきたのに！」
- “Fujimiya-san has worked so hard too!”
- 桐生:
- 「あーはいはい」
- “Yeah, got it.”