noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
winning favor using another's property; plagiarism; borrowed flowers offered to Buddha
A yojijukugo originating from a Buddhist metaphor. Literally 'presenting the Buddha with borrowed flowers', it describes gaining credit or influence by using someone else's resources or work. Often used for plagiarism or taking credit for another's effort.
His proposal is nothing more than borrowed flowers offered to Buddha.
That paper is a typical case of plagiarism.
盗作 is a direct, modern term for plagiarism, while 借花献仏 is a literary, metaphorical expression for taking credit using another's work.
A yojijukugo derived from a Buddhist parable. The literal meaning is 'presenting the Buddha with borrowed flowers', metaphorically extended to describe gaining favor or credit through another's property or work.