枯こ木ぼく死し灰かい

expression, noun

withered trees and cold ash; detached and desireless person; lifeless person

A yojijukugo from a classical Chinese story. Literally describes a state of complete detachment from worldly desires, like dead trees and cold ashes. Figuratively refers to a person who is emotionally dead or has no vitality.

• 彼かれは枯こ木ぼく死し灰かいのような生せい活かつを送おくっている。

  He leads a life as detached as withered trees and cold ashes.

• 枯こ木ぼく死し灰かいの境きょう地ちに達たっするのは難むずかしい。

  It is difficult to reach the state of mind like withered trees and cold ashes.