門もん前ぜん雀じゃく羅らを張はる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

be deserted; have no visitors

Idiomatic expression meaning a place (especially a home or business) is practically deserted, with no one coming by. The literal image is setting a net to catch sparrows in front of the gate because there is so little traffic. Often used in the form 門前雀羅を張る or 門前雀羅.

See also: 門前雀羅 (もんぜんじゃくら)

• あの店みせは不ふ景けい気きで門もん前ぜん雀じゃく羅らを張はっている。

  That shop is practically deserted due to the recession.

• 人にん気きがなくなって、彼かれの家いえは門もん前ぜん雀じゃく羅らを張はる有あり様さまだ。

  With his popularity gone, his house has no visitors at all.