画が餅べいに帰きす

expression, godan verb (-su)

come to nothing; end in failure; fall through

Literary set phrase meaning that plans or efforts end up fruitless, like a painted rice cake that cannot be eaten. Often used when a project or hope collapses without result.

• 長なが年ねんの努ど力りょくも画が餅べいに帰きした。

  Years of effort came to nothing.

• その計けい画かくは資し金きん不ぶ足そくで画が餅べいに帰きした。

  The plan fell through due to lack of funds.