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Push Water Uphill

What Does "Push Water Uphill" Mean?

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"Push water uphill" is an English idiom. It means "to attempt a futile or impossible task, often involving significant effort with little chance of success."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "push water uphill" used in a sentence:
  • Trying to convince him to change his mind is like pushing water uphill; he's very stubborn.
  • She realized that arguing with him was like pushing water uphill and decided to find another solution.
  • Some people dedicate their lives to causes that can feel like pushing water uphill, but they remain hopeful for change.
meaning for push water uphill

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Push Water Uphill" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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