Turning to God (or some higher power) only in times of distress; a proverb criticizing those who seek help only when in trouble.
彼は試験前になると苦しい時の神頼みで、神社にお参りに行く。
When exams approach, he resorts to prayer only in times of trouble and goes to the shrine.
プロジェクトが危機に陥ったとき、上層部は苦しい時の神頼みのように外部に救いを求めた。
When the project was in crisis, management sought outside help like those who turn to God only in trouble.
『苦しい時の神頼みだね』と彼女は冷ややかに言った。
"It's just turning to God in hard times," she said dryly.