Meaning of push water uphill | Babel Free

Definitions

try to achieve a goal despite huge resistance, being an uphill battle

idiomatic

Examples

“A Salesman Unaided by the House is Pushing Water Uphill.”

“Without that commitment you will be pushing water uphill the whole time and will lose⟳ your own⟳, necessary motivation.”

“Persuading Kenny that measuring his calves did not require⟳ removal of his underpants and trousers was akin to pushing water uphill. He claimed that he couldn't tell⟳ what I was saying, which seemed strange as he had no problem deciphering the initial message.”

“Our relationship with Donovan Leisure was doing well, in truth because Rod Hills and I worked so hard on it, but often it felt like⟳ pushing water uphill.”

“And they have⟳ another drink⟳, and they try⟳ to talk⟳ about something else, they really do, but it's like⟳ pushing water uphill: it won't work⟳, and it's exhausting.”

CEFR level