万まん年ねん候こう補ほ

noun

perennial candidate; ever unsuccessful candidate

Used for someone who repeatedly runs for a position or award but never wins. Often carries a slightly sympathetic or ironic tone.

• 彼かれは万まん年ねん候こう補ほで、今こん回かいも当とう選せんしなかった。

  He is a perennial candidate and didn't get elected this time either.

• あの俳はい優ゆうは万まん年ねん候こう補ほと言いわれているが、いつか賞しょうを取とるかもしれない。

  That actor is called a perennial candidate, but he might win an award someday.