knock head against a brick wall

knock (one's) head against a (brick) wall

To attempt continuously and fruitlessly to accomplish some task or achieve some goal that is or seems ultimately hopeless. I feel like I've been knocking my head against a brick wall trying to understand this math equation. Some people are never going to agree with you on this, so it's no use knocking your head against a wall trying to convince everyone.

See also: head, knock, wall

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

knock one's head (up) against a brick wall

Fig. to be totally frustrated. Trying to get a raise around here is like knocking your head up against a brick wall. No need to knock your head against a brick wall over this problem.

See also: brick, head, knock, wall

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.