笛ふえ吹ふけども踊おどらず

expression

we played the flute for you, and you did not dance; people ignore one's invitation or effort to do something together

Biblical idiom from Matthew 11:17, used when someone's attempt to engage others is met with indifference or refusal. Often carries a tone of disappointment or reproach.

• 何なん度ども飲のみ会かいに誘さそったのに、笛ふえ吹ふけども踊おどらずで誰だれも来こなかった。

  I invited them to the drinking party many times, but it was a case of 'we played the flute and you did not dance' — nobody came.

• 新しん企き画かくを提てい案あんしたが、笛ふえ吹ふけども踊おどらずで、上じょう司したちはまったく興きょう味みを示しめさなかった。

  I proposed a new project, but it was like piping to deaf ears; the bosses showed no interest at all.