I cannot finish this project because I am making bricks without straw.
make bricks without straw
idiomTo accomplish a task without the proper materials or under unreasonable conditions; to do the impossible.
Origin
disputed originFrom Exodus 5:18: "Now get to work. You will not be given any straw, yet you must produce your full quota of bricks." (NIV).
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.
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bang straw
A farmer's servant, especially a thresher.
- 02
buy straw hats in winter
Of stocks, to buy when both demand and price are low, so as to sell when demand and price are high.
- 03
cannot make it
Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.
- 04
doctors make the worst patients
It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.
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draw the short straw
To be selected to do an undesirable task (by drawing the shortest straw or otherwise).
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enough to make a cat laugh
Very outlandish or outrageous.
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enough to make the angels weep
Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.
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fine feathers make fine birds
Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.