提灯ちょうちんに釣鐘つりがね

expression

two ill-matched things; two poorly balanced things

Idiomatic expression comparing a paper lantern and a temple bell to describe two things that are completely mismatched in size, weight, or nature. Rare and somewhat literary.

• あの二人ふたりの結けっ婚こんは提灯ちょうちんに釣鐘つりがねのようなものだ。

  Their marriage is like a paper lantern and a temple bell—completely mismatched.

• 彼かれの提てい案あんと実じっ際さいの予よ算さんは提灯ちょうちんに釣鐘つりがねで、話はなしにならない。

  His proposal and the actual budget are as ill-matched as a paper lantern and a temple bell; it's hopeless.