What does “It’s no use pumping a dry well.” mean?
"It’s no use pumping a dry well" means that there is no point in trying to extract something that is not there. It is used to suggest that further effort in a particular direction will be fruitless.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I've been trying to get her to change her mind, but it's no use pumping a dry well. She's made up her mind and won't budge.
Example
I keep trying to find inspiration for my writing, but it's no use pumping a dry well. I need to take a break and come back to it later.
Example
He keeps asking for more money, but it's no use pumping a dry well. I've already given him everything I can
Is “It’s no use pumping a dry well.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“It’s no use pumping a dry well.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “It’s no use pumping a dry well.” effectively in context?
You can use "It's no use pumping a dry well" to convey the idea that it is pointless to continue trying to get something out of a situation or person that is already depleted or exhausted. For example, if someone is trying to fix an old car that is beyond repair, you might say, 'It's no use pumping a dry well. It's time to get a new car.'
- 1Relationships
She keeps trying to get her ex-boyfriend to change, but it's no use pumping a dry well. He's not going to change his behavior.
- 2Work
He has been asking for a promotion for years, but it's no use pumping a dry well. The company is not going to give him a higher position.
- 3Effort
She has been studying for hours, but it's no use pumping a dry well. She's not going to understand the material without proper guidance.
Similar phrases to “It’s no use pumping a dry well.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “It’s no use pumping a dry well.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "It's no use pumping a dry well" is unknown.
Is “It’s no use pumping a dry well.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "It's no use pumping a dry well" is a common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the futility of continuing to invest time, effort, or resources into something that is already depleted or exhausted.
What tone does “It’s no use pumping a dry well.” have?
"It's no use pumping a dry well" conveys a tone of resignation and acceptance. It implies that further attempts will not yield any positive results and encourages individuals to redirect their efforts elsewhere.
Can “It’s no use pumping a dry well.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "It's no use pumping a dry well" is relatively informal and can be used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. However, it may not be as commonly used in more formal settings such as professional presentations or written correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I've been trying to fix this old computer, but it's no use pumping a dry well.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's no use pumping a dry well!' to imply the futility of a situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- running on empty
- flogging a dead horse
- wasting your breath
- throwing good money after bad
- beating a dead horse
Antonyms
- making progress
- finding success
- getting results
- hitting the jackpot
- striking gold
