expression, noun
someone doomed to their fate; fish on a chopping board
Idiomatic expression describing a person who has no choice but to accept their fate, like a carp on a cutting board. Often used in resigned or philosophical contexts.
彼はまな板の鯉のように、ただ結果を待つしかなかった。
Like a fish on a chopping board, he had no choice but to wait for the outcome.
もうまな板の鯉だ。覚悟を決めよう。
I'm already a carp on the cutting board. Let's prepare for the worst.
Literally 'a carp on a cutting board'. The image of a fish awaiting preparation is a traditional metaphor for helplessness in the face of fate.