砂さ上じょう

noun

on sand; built on sand

Often used in the phrase 砂上の楼閣 (a castle built on sand) to describe something unstable or without a solid foundation. Can also be used literally for things placed on sand.

• その計けい画かくは砂さ上じょうの楼ろう閣かくにすぎない。

  That plan is nothing but a castle built on sand.

• 砂さ上じょうに足あし跡あとが残のこっていた。

  Footprints were left on the sand.