bang one's head against a brick wall
Meaning: To keep trying something with no result.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Explaining the rules to him is like banging your head against a brick wall.”
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: The wall does not move, and the head takes the damage. Versions of the phrase are found from the 16th century; the brick wall is a later addition.
Equivalents in other languages
- Spanish: darse de cabezadas — literally: to give oneself head-blows
More idioms — Body & Senses
- get off on the right foot — To make a good start.
- turn one's back on someone — To abandon or refuse to help someone.
- one's heart sinks — To feel sudden disappointment or dread.
- shoulder to shoulder — Side by side, working together.
- tread carefully — To act with great caution in a delicate situation.
- pull the other one — Said to someone telling an obvious lie.
More English idioms
- have a whale of a time — To enjoy oneself enormously.
- have plenty left in the tank — To still have energy or resources in reserve.
- willy-nilly — Whether one wants it or not; also, in a disorganized way.
- make oneself scarce — To leave quickly, or to keep out of the way.
- no holds barred — With no rules or restraints.
- jump at the chance — To accept an opportunity eagerly and at once.
From our compliments & insults
- Espèce de patate — You dim bulb — a potato being the very picture of inert, unthinking stodginess.
- Quel râleur / quelle râleuse — You never stop moaning — everything is a complaint, nothing is ever good enough.
- Peau de vache — A mean, difficult, and unpleasant person — tough and unyielding like tanned hide.