What does “Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree” mean?

"Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree" means attempting to do something that is impossible or extremely difficult.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Trying to convince him to change his mind is like nailing jelly to a wall.

Example

Getting everyone to agree on a time for the meeting is like nailing Jello to a tree.

Example

Finding a solution to this problem feels like nailing pudding to a wall

Is “Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree” 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 “Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree” effectively in context?

You can use "Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree" to describe a situation where attempting to do something is impossible or extremely difficult. It emphasizes the frustration and futility of the task. For example, if someone is trying to convince a stubborn person to change their mind, you might say, 'Trying to convince him to change his mind is like "nailing jelly to a wall".'

1Persuasion
Trying to convince him to change his mind is like nailing jelly to a wall.
2Consensus Building
Getting everyone to agree on a time for the meeting is like nailing Jello to a tree.
3Problem Solving
Finding a solution to this problem feels like nailing pudding to a wall.

Similar phrases to “Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree”:

Herding cats

Attempting to control or organize a group of people or things that are difficult or impossible to control

Example

Trying to get all the kids to sit still for a photo is like herding cats.

Squeezing water from a stone

Attempting to get something that is impossible or extremely difficult to obtain

Example

Trying to get him to lend you money is like squeezing water from a stone.

Climbing Mount Everest

Attempting to achieve an extremely difficult or impossible task

Example

Trying to finish this project by tomorrow is like climbing Mount Everest.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree" is unknown.

Is “Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation. It is often used to add humor and express the difficulty or impossibility of a task.

What tone does “Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree” have?

"Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree" conveys a tone of frustration and humor. It is used to describe a situation that is challenging or impossible, but with a touch of lightheartedness.

Can “Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Nailing Jelly/Jello/Pudding To A Wall/Tree" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to add a touch of humor.

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, 'Trying to convince him to change his mind is like "nailing jelly to a wall".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'This task is like "nailing jelly to a wall"!' to imply the difficulty of the task.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

like pulling teeth
mission impossible
like pushing a boulder uphill
like swimming upstream
like running into a brick wall