Make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear

Pro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Nature

Understand that it is an idiomatic expression and not meant to be taken literally.

He thinks he can cook a gourmet meal with instant noodles; that's like trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Pro Tip 2/3

Implied Difficulty

It suggests an attempt to do something very difficult or impossible.

The team is trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear by fixing the old, rusty car.

Pro Tip 3/3

Optimism vs. Reality

It's often used to highlight an optimistic person's unrealistic goals.

She believes she can transform the barren land into a garden, truly making a silk purse out of a sow's ear.