うだつの上あがらない

expression, i-adjective

lacking potential for advancement; no-hoper

Idiomatic expression describing a person who seems unable to rise in life or career, often with a nuance of hopelessness or lack of ambition. The phrase originates from the architectural term うだつ (卯建), a short pillar on a roof that was a status symbol; not having one implied low status.

See also: うだつが上がらない

• 彼かれはうだつの上あがらないサラリーマンだ。

  He is a salaryman with no prospects for advancement.

• うだつの上あがらない毎まい日にちを送おくっている。

  I'm living a life with no hope of getting ahead.