
IdiomDaily Life
Croatian
Glavom kroz zid
Meaning: To stubbornly attempt the impossible.
Literally: Head through the wall
Example: “Pokušavati promijeniti šefa je kao glavom kroz zid.” — Trying to change the boss is like banging your head against a brick wall.
English equivalent: To bang one's head against a brick wall
Origin: Trying to go through a wall with one's head is pushing on stubbornly against something that will not give. The phrase is shared with German mit dem Kopf durch die Wand and other European languages. No particular story lies behind it.
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: darse de cabezadas Literally: To give oneself head-blowsEnglish: bang one's head against a brick wall
More Croatian idioms
- Mlatiti praznu slamu To engage in pointless talk or effort.
- Bacati drvlje i kamenje To hurl furious abuse at someone.
- Prodavati maglu To peddle empty promises and con people.
- Pasti s kruške To be clueless and out of touch.
- Ići niz dlaku To go smoothly and agreeably.
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