What does “To plough the sand.” mean?
"To plough the sand" means to engage in a futile or pointless task, or to put effort into something that is unlikely to yield any results.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I feel like I'm ploughing the sand with this project. No matter how much effort I put in, it doesn't seem to make any difference.
Example
Instead of trying to convince him to change his mind, I realized I was just ploughing the sand. It was better to focus on more productive tasks.
Example
She spent hours arguing with him, but it was like ploughing the sand. He was never going to see her point of view
Is “To plough the sand.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To plough the sand.” 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 “To plough the sand.” effectively in context?
You can use "To plough the sand" to describe a situation where someone is putting effort into a task or activity that is unlikely to yield any results. It emphasizes the futility of wasting time and resources on unproductive endeavors. For example, if a friend is spending hours trying to convince someone who will never change their mind, you might say, 'You're just ploughing the sand. It's better to focus on more productive tasks.'
- 1Work
I feel like I'm ploughing the sand with this project. No matter how much effort I put in, it doesn't seem to make any difference.
- 2Communication
Instead of trying to convince him to change his mind, I realized I was just ploughing the sand. It was better to focus on more productive tasks.
- 3Conflict
She spent hours arguing with him, but it was like ploughing the sand. He was never going to see her point of view.
Similar phrases to “To plough the sand.”:
Chasing rainbows
To pursue something that is impossible or unlikely to happen
Example
She's always chasing rainbows, hoping for a big break that will never come.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To plough the sand.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To plough the sand" is unknown.
Is “To plough the sand.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "To plough the sand" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be encountered in written texts or formal discussions where the speaker wants to emphasize the futility of a particular action or endeavor.
What tone does “To plough the sand.” have?
"To plough the sand" conveys a tone of frustration and resignation. It suggests a sense of wasted effort and the realization that one's actions are unlikely to lead to any meaningful results.
Can “To plough the sand.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "To plough the sand" is relatively formal and may not be commonly used in informal conversations. It is more likely to be encountered in professional or academic settings where the speaker wants to convey the idea of wasted effort and the need to focus on more productive tasks.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "To plough the sand" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'No matter how much effort I put in, it feels like I'm just ploughing the sand.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Stop ploughing the sand!' to imply that someone should stop wasting their time on an unproductive task.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- waste one's time
- engage in a futile effort
- put effort into a lost cause
- exert energy on an unproductive task
- spend time on a pointless endeavor
Antonyms
- focus on worthwhile tasks
- invest effort in productive activities
- work towards achievable goals
- put energy into meaningful endeavors
- engage in tasks with potential for success
