[make] bricks without straw
1
to be forced to do a difficult or impossible task without the necessary resources
The idiom "make bricks without straw" originates from the Bible, specifically in the Book of Exodus (5:7-19), where the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt and were forced to make bricks without being provided the necessary straw. The saying emphasizes that certain tasks require specific resources or conditions to succeed, and attempting to complete them without those essential tools or support will lead to poor results. It serves as a reminder that success often depends on having the right resources in place, and that lacking the basics can make even the most straightforward tasks impossible or ineffective.
- Trying to launch a startup with no funding is like making bricks without straw.
- They were asked to make bricks without straw, yet the deadline was non-negotiable.
- The soldiers had to build a shelter in the desert, making bricks without straw.
- Without proper data, writing the report felt like making bricks without straw.
- She was expected to finish the project alone, making bricks without straw.