noun
fruitless discussion; endless debate; inconclusive meeting
Idiomatic expression referring to a long, unproductive discussion that fails to reach a conclusion. Originates from the Siege of Odawara, where the Toyotomi forces held lengthy war councils that did not lead to decisive action.
会議が小田原評定になってしまい、何も決まらなかった。
The meeting turned into a fruitless discussion and nothing was decided.
From the historical Siege of Odawara (小田原征伐) in 1590, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi's war council was known for lengthy, indecisive discussions. The term 評定 (ひょうじょう) means 'council' or 'conference'.