ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wrestle with a pig

idiom
Meaning

To engage in a struggle with an opponent that benefits from the struggle even without winning it.


Examples
SIMPLE

Do not wrestle with a pig, because you will only get dirty.

CONTEXTUAL

Arguing with that rude customer is like wrestling with a pig; he enjoys the chaos while you just lose your patience.

COMPLEX

He realized that engaging in a public debate with his dishonest rival was akin to wrestling with a pig, as the conflict only served to damage his own reputation.

Anchors to
Related idioms6entries
  1. 01

    couldn't stop a pig in a passage

    To be bow-legged.

  2. 02

    happy as a pig in mud

    Very happy or content.

  3. 03

    happy as a pig in shit

    Extremely happy; obviously satisfied and carefree.

  4. 04

    make a pig of oneself

    To eat to excess; to overeat; to gorge.

  5. 05

    pig in a poke

    Something whose true value is concealed or unknown and may be lower than expected by the buyer or claimed by the seller, especially something offered for sale.

  6. 06

    put lipstick on a pig

    To superficially alter something in the hope of making it seem more appealing than it is in actuality.

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