叶かなわぬ時ときの神かみ頼だのみ

expression

turning to God only in one's trouble; praying only when in need

Proverbial expression criticizing those who seek divine help only when facing difficulties, ignoring faith in good times. Often used to describe opportunistic or last-resort reliance on religion.

• 普ふ段だんは信しん心じん深ぶかくないのに、試し験けん前まえだけ神じん社じゃに行いくなんて、まさに叶かなわぬ時ときの神かみ頼だのみだ。

  Going to a shrine only before exams, when you're not usually devout, is a perfect example of turning to God only in your trouble.

• 彼かれは困こまったときだけ祈いのる、叶かなわぬ時ときの神かみ頼だのみの典てん型けいだ。

  He only prays when he's in trouble—a classic case of turning to God only in one's trouble.