五ご十じっ歩ぽ百ひゃっ歩ぽ

expression, noun

six of one, half a dozen of the other; much the same; no real difference

Used when two things are essentially the same despite appearing different; often implies that arguing about the difference is pointless. Originates from a Chinese parable where a soldier who retreated fifty steps mocked one who retreated a hundred steps.

• どちらを選えらんでも五ご十じっ歩ぽ百ひゃっ歩ぽだ。

  Whichever you choose, it's six of one and half a dozen of the other.

• 彼かれらの言いい分ぶんは五ご十じっ歩ぽ百ひゃっ歩ぽで、どちらも正ただしいとは言いえない。

  Their arguments are much the same; neither can be called correct.