IdiomThe Absurd
English
Englisha Sisyphean task
Meaning: An endless, futile task.
Example: “Keeping the kitchen clean with three teenagers is a Sisyphean task.”
Origin: In Greek myth, Sisyphus was punished in the underworld by rolling a boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down each time.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Le rocher de Sisyphe Literally: The rock of Sisyphus
More English idioms
- so near and yet so far Close to something one wants but unable to reach it.
- jam tomorrow A promise of good things in the future that never arrive.
- have one foot in the grave To be close to death.
- cast the first stone To be the first to condemn someone.
- steal a march on To gain an advantage by acting before someone else.
- the bee's knees Something or someone excellent.
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