noun
rehash; boring rerun; stale imitation
Idiomatic expression for something that is a mere copy or rehash of an earlier idea, lacking originality. Often used critically.
その新作映画は前作の二番煎じに過ぎない。
The new movie is nothing more than a rehash of the previous one.
彼の提案はいつも誰かの二番煎じだ。
His proposals are always just stale imitations of someone else's ideas.
noun
second brew of tea
Literal meaning: the second infusion of tea leaves, which is weaker and less flavorful. This literal sense is the origin of the idiomatic use.
二番煎じは一番茶より味が薄い。
The second brew of tea is weaker in flavor than the first.