員いんに備そなわるのみ

expression

being a member of staff but useless as a worker

A set phrase criticizing someone who holds a position but contributes nothing; literally 'merely being counted among the staff'. Used in workplace or organizational contexts.

• 彼かれは員いんに備そなわるのみで、何なんの役やくにも立たたない。

  He is just a name on the roster and contributes nothing.

• そんな社しゃ員いんは員いんに備そなわるのみだ。

  Such an employee is merely a seat-filler.