the sick man of - a country that is politically or economically unsound, especially in comparison with its neighbours in the region specified.

☞ In the late 19th century, following a reported comment by Tsar Nicholas I of Russia about the moribund state of the Turkish empire, the Sultan of Turkey was described as the Sick Man of Europe. The term was later extended to Turkey itself and subsequently applied to other countries.

2013New Statesman Japan is growing at roughly 4 per cent-making it, improbably, the fastest-growing Group of Seven economy. Business confidence is at a six-year high. The sick man of Asia has … turned fleet of foot.