二に階かいから目め薬ぐすり

expression, noun

frustratingly difficult task; roundabout and inefficient way

Idiom describing a task that is extremely difficult or an approach that is hopelessly indirect, like trying to apply eyedrops from the second floor. Often used to criticize an impractical method.

• そんなやり方かたじゃ二に階かいから目め薬ぐすりだよ。

  That way of doing it is like trying to apply eyedrops from the second floor—totally impractical.

expression, noun

something totally ineffective

Emphasizes the complete ineffectiveness of an action or method; the result is so unlikely that it is practically useless.

• この計けい画かくは二に階かいから目め薬ぐすりだ。

  This plan is completely ineffective.