someone doomed to their fate; fish on a chopping board
Idiomatic expression describing a person who has no choice but to accept their fate, like a carp on a cutting board. Often used in resigned or philosophical contexts.
Like a fish on a chopping board, he had no choice but to wait for the outcome.
もうまな板の鯉だ。覚悟を決めよう。
I'm already a carp on the cutting board. Let's prepare for the worst.
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling.
Alternate kanji for まな板; less common but still seen.
Literally 'a carp on a cutting board'. The image of a fish awaiting preparation is a traditional metaphor for helplessness in the face of fate.