«لَا طَارْ وَلَا طَبْلَهْ»

The saying names two kinds of drum, the طار (a frame drum of the tambourine or daff type, not the verb 'to fly') and the drum, and denies the subject any place with either. The point is total unsuitability: whatever task is offered, the person or thing falls short, so no role suits them.

It delivers a sweeping verdict rather than criticism of one shortcoming. By ruling out both options in a paired negation, the expression leaves nothing in reserve, presenting the subject as lacking any usefulness at all instead of merely being poorly matched to a particular job.

Apply it to a person or thing that has turned out to be of no use for any purpose, for instance after several attempts to find a suitable role have all failed. It judges general worthlessness, not a single mistake or one poor fit.