quart

by the (unit)

For each unit, as of items sold in this manner. How much does this meat cost by the pound? My sewing machine isn't working at the moment, so I certainly don't need fabric by the yard right now! You can't just get one cupcake at that place—they only sell them by the dozen, like eggs.

See also: by

fit a quart into a pint pot

To cram too much into a small container or space. (A quart is a larger amount than a pint, so getting a quart into a pint pot is impossible.) Primarily heard in UK. A: "Just sit on my suitcase while I try zipping it again." B: "Oh, quit trying to fit a quart into a pint pot." You won't even be able to lift that box if you keep trying to fit a quart into a pint pot! Why did you insist on fitting a quart into a pint pot? I can't even seal this box now.

See also: fit, pint, pot, quart

get a quart into a pint pot

To cram too much into a small container or space. (A quart is a larger amount than a pint, so getting a quart into a pint pot is impossible.) Primarily heard in UK. A: "Just sit on my suitcase while I try zipping it again." B: "Oh, quit trying to get a quart into a pint pot." You won't even be able to lift that box if you keep trying to get a quart into a pint pot! Keep in mind that we have other boxes, so there's no need to get a quart into a pint pot here.

See also: get, pint, pot, quart

you can't get a quart into a pint pot

proverb It is useless trying to fit something into a container or area that is simply too small to contain it. (A quart is a larger amount than a pint, so getting a quart into a pint pot is physically impossible.) A: "I'm sure I can make it all fit! Just sit on my suitcase while I try zipping it up again." B: "Oh, give it a rest already. You can't get a quart into a pint pot." A: "She thinks she's going to fit into that dress for her wedding, but you can't get a quart into a pint pot." B: "Oh, Martha, what a mean thing to say!"

See also: get, pint, pot, quart

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

You cannot get a quart into a pint pot.

Prov. You cannot fit too much of something into a space that is too small. That dog is simply too big to get into this kennel. You can't get a quart into a pint pot. Our refrigerator isn't big enough to fit that watermelon in. You can't get a quart into a pint pot.

See also: cannot, get, pint, pot, quart

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

fit a quart into a pint pot

or

squeeze a quart into a pint pot

BRITISH

If someone is trying to fit a quart into a pint pot or squeeze a quart into a pint pot, they are trying to put a large amount of something into a container or space that is too small. In putting together a `brief' article on the Tay Bridge Disaster, I was faced with the problem of fitting a quart into a pint pot, there being so much material available. We're trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot in terms of the amount of time we have to cover everything. Note: Other verbs can be used instead of fit or squeeze. `The builders tried to put a quart into a pint pot,' he commented, pointing to the narrow space between the house and its neighbours either side. Note: A quart is a unit of measure for liquids. It is equal to two pints.

See also: fit, pint, pot, quart

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

get (or fit) a quart into a pint pot

attempt to do the impossible, especially when this takes the form of trying to fit something into a space that is too small. British

See also: get, pint, pot, quart

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

get/pour/put a ˌquart into a pint ˈpot

(British English) try to do something impossible, especially to try to put something into a space which is too small for it: 30 people in this small room! You can’t put a quart into a pint pot, you know.

A pint is 0.568 litres and a quart is 1.136 litres.

See also: get, pint, pot, pour, put, quart

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017