deserted house with few visitors; sparrow net in front of the gate
A yojijukugo describing a house that has become deserted and receives few visitors, often because the owner has lost power or influence. The literal image is of a sparrow net set in front of the gate, suggesting so few people come that one could catch sparrows there.
After the minister fell from power, his house was in a state of 門前雀羅, with hardly any visitors.