expression, godan verb (-ku)
one can give a plausible argument for anything
Proverb meaning that, like a plaster that can be stuck anywhere, a clever person can make a seemingly reasonable argument for any position, no matter how weak.
彼は理屈と膏薬はどこへでもつくというように、どんなことでももっともらしく説明する。
He can give a plausible explanation for anything, just like the saying 'a plaster can be stuck anywhere.'
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling for this proverb.
Variant using the kanji 付く for the verb つく.
A traditional Japanese proverb. The exact origin is uncertain, but it likens the way a plaster (膏薬) can be applied anywhere on the body to the way a person can use logic (理屈) to justify any position.