なすすべ

noun

means; method; way

Almost always used in negative patterns such as なすすべもない (have no means) or なすすべもなく (without any way). Describes a situation where one is at a loss and has no course of action.

See also: なすすべもない

• 突とつ然ぜんの停てい電でんで、なすすべもなく暗くら闇やみに座すわっていた。

  With the sudden blackout, I sat in the dark without any means to do anything.

• 彼かれはなすすべもなく、ただ相あい手ての言いいなりになっていた。

  He had no way to act and simply did as the other person said.