expression, godan verb (-ku)
be quiet due to lack of activity; be in a slump
Idiomatic expression describing a business or place that is deserted and quiet because of few customers or little activity. Often used in the form 閑古鳥が鳴く or 閑古鳥が鳴いている.
See also: 閑古鳥
不景気で商店街に閑古鳥が鳴いている。
Due to the recession, the shopping district is dead quiet.
新しくできたカフェは閑古鳥が鳴くほど客が来ない。
The newly opened café is so deserted you could hear a pin drop.