Boil the ocean

usgb
verb phrase

To attempt or try to do something that is very hard or impossible.

Don't try to boil the ocean by having an outright perfect plan.
Visual representation of "boil the ocean" - To attempt or try to do something that is very hard or impossible

Often appears as...

  • try to boil the ocean
  • attempt to boil the ocean

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "boil the ocean"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Impractical Goals

Used to describe efforts that are overly ambitious and likely unachievable, emphasizing the impracticality.

Illustration for Impractical Goals
He's trying to boil the ocean with his one-man startup idea.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Scale Back

Implies that less complex or realistic steps should be taken instead of big leaps.

Illustration for Scale Back
To succeed, you need to scale back rather than try to boil the ocean.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid Perfectionism

Encourages focusing on achievable standards rather than striving for unrealistic perfection.

Illustration for Avoid Perfectionism
You're boiling the ocean by trying to make your essay flawless.
Visual representation of the word "Boil the ocean"

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