To be in such a precarious or difficult situation that one can barely save oneself, let alone help others; unable to help oneself, much less others.
他自己都焦头烂额了，真是泥菩萨过江，哪里还有精力帮别人解决问题？
He himself is already overwhelmed; he's like a clay idol fording a river, barely able to save himself. How could he possibly have the energy to help others solve their problems?
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