徒あだ花ばな

noun

non-fruit-bearing flower; sterile flower

Literal botanical term for a flower that does not develop into fruit. Also used metaphorically for fruitless efforts.

• 桜さくらの徒あだ花ばなは実みをつけない。

  Cherry blossoms that are sterile flowers do not bear fruit.

noun

flashy but empty; showy without substance

Figurative use for something that appears impressive but lacks real value or lasting results, like a flashy event or a person's superficial charm.

• 彼かれの成せい功こうは徒あだ花ばなに終おわった。

  His success turned out to be flashy but empty.