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 — Packed together very tightly.
• Вешать всех собак — 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.

← Back to Idioms

Loading the full interactive collection…