wrestle with a pig
To engage in a struggle with an opponent that benefits from the struggle even without winning it.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Do not wrestle with a pig, because you will only get dirty.”
“Arguing with that rude customer is like wrestling with a pig; he enjoys the chaos while you just lose your patience.”
“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.”
- 01
couldn't stop a pig in a passage
To be bow-legged.
- 02
happy as a pig in mud
Very happy or content.
- 03
happy as a pig in shit
Extremely happy; obviously satisfied and carefree.
- 04
if pigs had wings
Never.
- 05
lipstick on a pig
To make superficial or cosmetic changes to something in a doomed attempt to disguise its fundamental flaws.
- 06
make a pig of oneself
To eat to excess; to overeat; to gorge.
- 07
make a pig's ear of
To do badly; to make a mess of.
- 08
make pigs and whistles of
To ruin (something); to make a severe mess of (something).
Last updated August 10, 2026