頭あたまの上うえの蠅はえも追おえない

expression, i-adjective

completely helpless; unable even to shoo away flies on one's own head

Idiomatic expression describing someone so passive, weak, or overwhelmed that they cannot manage even the smallest self-help. Often used hyperbolically.

• 彼かれは気きが弱よわくて、頭あたまの上うえの蠅はえも追おえないような人ひとだ。

  He's so timid that he seems completely helpless, unable even to shoo away a fly on his head.

• 忙いそがしすぎて、頭あたまの上うえの蠅はえも追おえない状じょう態たいだ。

  I'm so busy that I can't even manage the smallest thing.