What does “To pour water into a sieve.” mean?
"To pour water into a sieve" means to waste one’s time or effort on a task that is doomed to failure or is unlikely to yield any results.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I tried explaining the concept to him, but it was like pouring water into a sieve. He just couldn't grasp it.
Example
She spent hours trying to fix the broken computer, but it was like pouring water into a sieve. It was a lost cause.
Example
Instead of studying for the exam, he spent all night playing video games. It's like pouring water into a sieve. He won't get good grades
Is “To pour water into a sieve.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To pour water into a sieve.” 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 pour water into a sieve.” effectively in context?
You can use "To pour water into a sieve" to describe a situation where someone is wasting their time or effort on a task that is doomed to failure or unlikely to yield any results. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the effectiveness of one's actions and focusing energy and resources on activities that are likely to be successful. For example, if a friend is spending hours trying to convince someone who is unwilling to listen, you might say, 'It's like pouring water into a sieve. They're not going to change their mind.'
- 1Education
He spent all night cramming for the test, but it was like pouring water into a sieve. He didn't retain any of the information.
- 2Relationships
She kept trying to make the relationship work, but it was like pouring water into a sieve. It was clear that it wasn't meant to be.
- 3Productivity
Instead of focusing on important tasks, he wasted his time on trivial matters. It's like pouring water into a sieve. He wasn't making any progress.
Similar phrases to “To pour water into a sieve.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To pour water into a sieve.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To pour water into a sieve" is unknown.
Is “To pour water into a sieve.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "To pour water into a sieve" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more often used in writing or formal situations to convey the idea of wasting time or effort on futile tasks.
What tone does “To pour water into a sieve.” have?
"To pour water into a sieve" conveys a tone of futility and inefficiency. It suggests that the action being described is pointless and will not lead to any meaningful results.
Can “To pour water into a sieve.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "To pour water into a sieve" is more commonly used in formal settings or in writing rather than in casual conversations. It is a metaphorical expression that conveys the idea of wasting time or effort, which can be applicable in various contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "To pour water into a sieve" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She tried to explain, but it was like "pouring water into a sieve". He just didn't understand.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's like "pouring water into a sieve"' to imply the futility of a situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- waste one's time
- futile effort
- pointless endeavor
- ineffective action
- unproductive task
Antonyms
- efficient use of time
- productive effort
- effective action
- successful endeavor
