noun
losing posture; irrecoverable falling position
Sumo term for a posture from which a wrestler cannot recover and will inevitably lose. Also used figuratively for a hopeless situation.
彼は土俵際で死に体になり、そのまま押し出された。
He fell into an irrecoverable posture at the edge of the ring and was pushed out.
noun
lame duck
Figurative use for a person or organization that has lost power or effectiveness, especially a leader nearing the end of their term. Cross-referenced with レームダック.
See also: レームダック
任期切れ間近の大統領は死に体と見なされがちだ。
A president nearing the end of their term tends to be seen as a lame duck.
noun
hopeless situation
General figurative extension: a situation with no chance of recovery or success.
資金が底をつき、プロジェクトは死に体だった。
With funds exhausted, the project was in a hopeless situation.