make bricks without straw
To accomplish a task without the proper materials or under unreasonable conditions; to do the impossible.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I cannot finish this project because I am making bricks without straw.”
“The manager expects us to launch the new website by tomorrow, but we are making bricks without straw since we lack the necessary software.”
“Tasked with revitalizing the failing department without any additional funding or staff, the new director found herself making bricks without straw.”
From Exodus 5:18: "Now get to work. You will not be given any straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks." (NIV).
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absence makes the heart grow fonder
One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.
- 02
bang one's head against a brick wall
To waste effort on a futile project.
- 03
bang straw
A farmer's servant, especially a thresher.
- 04
brick in
To enclose with bricks.
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brick in one's hat
Drunkenness.
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built like a brick outhouse
Synonym of built like a brick shithouse.
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built like a brick shipyard
Synonym of built like a brick shithouse.
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built like a brick shithouse
Of a man, having a muscular body, particularly with well-developed muscles of the chest, arms and abdominals.
Last updated August 10, 2026