1.
being totally lost, in the dark, groping in the fog
A state of confusion where one cannot see the way forward or understand the situation.
捜査は五里霧中の状態だ。
The investigation is completely in the dark.
将来のことは五里霧中だ。
The future is completely unclear.
問題の解決策が五里霧中だった。
The solution to the problem was completely unclear.
FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語):
Literally means "in fog for five ri" (a ri is an old Japanese unit of distance, about 4 km). The imagery is of being lost in thick fog where you cannot see anything around you.
ORIGIN:
From a Chinese legend about a Taoist who could create fog that extended for five ri.
USAGE:
- Often used when describing situations with no clear solution or direction