二にの矢や

expression, noun

second arrow

Literal meaning: the second arrow in archery. Often used in the set phrase 二の矢が継げない (cannot follow up with a second arrow/action).

• 最さい初しょの矢やが外はずれたので、二にの矢やを放はなった。

  The first arrow missed, so I shot a second arrow.

• 彼かれの批ひ判はんは鋭するどく、二にの矢やが継つげなかった。

  His criticism was so sharp that I couldn't follow up with a second point.

expression, noun

second move; follow-up action

Figurative extension: a second attempt, move, or follow-up action, especially when the first one fails or is insufficient. Commonly used in negative potential forms like 二の矢が継げない.

• 予よ算さんが足たりず、二にの矢やが継つげない状じょう況きょうだ。

  We don't have enough budget to make a second move.

• 彼かれは最さい初しょの提てい案あんが却きゃっ下かされ、二にの矢やを考かんがえている。

  His first proposal was rejected, so he's thinking of a second step.