水みずの泡あわ

expression, noun

bubble on the surface of water

Literal meaning: a bubble floating on water. Used descriptively, not idiomatically.

• 池いけの水すい面めんに水みずの泡あわが浮うかんでいる。

  Bubbles are floating on the surface of the pond.

expression, noun

coming to nothing; something short-lived

Idiomatic use: efforts, plans, or hopes that vanish without result, like a bubble bursting. Often used in the pattern 水の泡になる (come to nothing). Sense 3 (something short-lived) is a less common extension of this metaphor.

• 長なが年ねんの努ど力りょくが水みずの泡あわになった。

  Years of effort came to nothing.

• 彼かれの夢ゆめは一いっ瞬しゅんで水みずの泡あわと消きえた。

  His dream vanished in an instant like a bubble.