futile effort; like pushing against a curtain
Idiomatic expression meaning that an action is pointless or has no effect, like pushing your arm against a shop curtain (暖簾) which just gives way. Often used when arguing or competing with someone who doesn't respond.
No matter how much you complain to him, it's like pushing against a curtain.
Arguing with that boss is futile; nothing changes.
Also means a futile effort, but specifically like driving a nail into rice bran—no resistance and no effect. 暖簾に腕押し emphasizes the lack of response from a person or situation.
Literally 'a clamp on tofu', meaning an action that is completely ineffective. Similar in meaning but uses a different metaphor.
Standard kanji spelling for this idiomatic expression.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; the first part is often written in kana.
From the image of pushing one's arm against a shop's entrance curtain (暖簾), which offers no resistance. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a well-known Japanese idiom.