1.
wasted effort, preaching to deaf ears
A proverb meaning that giving advice or teachings to someone who can't or won't understand is pointless, like chanting Buddhist sutras to a horse.
No matter how many times I say it, it falls on deaf ears—they won't listen at all.
Etymology
Literally: 'Buddhist chanting to a horse's ears.' A horse cannot understand the meaning of Buddhist sutras, so chanting them to a horse is completely pointless. Used to describe futile efforts to teach or advise someone who cannot or will not understand.
Similar words
- 馬耳東風: In one ear and out the other (four-character idiom with similar meaning)
- 豚に真珠: Pearls before swine (giving something valuable to someone who can't appreciate it)
- 猫に小判: Coins to a cat (similar to 'pearls before swine')
Usage
Often used when someone ignores advice or when advice is given to someone incapable of understanding it. Can express frustration.
Close English equivalents
- Preaching to deaf ears
- Talking to a brick wall
- Like water off a duck's back
- In one ear and out the other
Related Words
Related:
馬耳東風 (similar idiom)
Related:
豚に真珠 (similar proverb)
Compare:
猫に小判 (Coins to a cat)
Compare:
暖簾に腕押し (futile effort)
Compare:
糠に釘 (futile effort)