Eulen nach Athen tragen
Meaning: To do something utterly pointless.
Language: German
Literally: To carry owls to Athens
Category: Animals
Origin: Ancient Greek in origin; Athens already teemed with owls, the symbol of Athena, so bringing more was futile.
More idioms — Animals
- Hummeln im Hintern haben — To be unable to sit still.
- Ser la oveja negra — To be the outcast of the family or group.
- Tirar o cavalo da chuva — To give up on an expectation.
- Pagar mico — To embarrass yourself publicly.
- Как сельдь в бочке (Kak sel'd' v bochke) — Packed together very tightly.
- Вешать всех собак (Veshat' vsekh sobak) — To blame someone for everything.
More German idioms
- Das ist nicht das Gelbe vom Ei — It's not ideal; not quite good enough.
- Alles in Butter — Everything is fine and under control.
- Aus dem Häuschen sein — To be beside yourself with excitement.
- Jemandem auf den Keks gehen — To get on someone's nerves.
- Einen Kater haben — To have a hangover.
- die Nase voll haben — To be fed up or exhausted by something.
From our compliments & insults
- Schlaumeier — A smart aleck or know-it-all.
- Du bist ein Goldstück — You're a real gem — priceless, irreplaceable, and deeply appreciated.
- Du hast ein Händchen dafür — You have a real knack — a natural gift that makes difficult things look easy.