Put a quart into a pint pot

phrase

To attempt or try to do something that is essentially impossible because of limitations.

Trying to fit all our luggage into the trunk of this car is like trying to put a quart into a pint pot.
Visual representation of "put a quart into a pint pot" - To attempt or try to do something that is essentially impossible because of limitations.

Often appears as...

  • like trying to put a quart into a pint pot
  • attempt to put a quart into a pint pot

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To attempt or try to do something that is essentially impossible because of limitations.

Trying to fit all our luggage into the trunk of this car is like trying to put a quart into a pint pot.
Visual representation of "put a quart into a pint pot" - To attempt or try to do something that is essentially impossible because of limitations.

Often appears as...

  • like trying to put a quart into a pint pot
  • attempt to put a quart into a pint pot

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "put a quart into a pint pot"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Impossibility

The phrase implies a task is as impossible as fitting too much liquid into a small container.

Illustration for Physical Impossibility
Expecting one person to do the work of four is like trying to put a quart into a pint pot.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Origin

It's a British phrase, so it may not be understood in countries using different liquid measurements.

Illustration for Cultural Origin
He described his new job at the United Nations as trying to put a quart into a pint pot.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

Often used metaphorically for tasks with inadequate resources or space.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The new software has so many features, it feels like they've tried to put a quart into a pint pot.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Impossibility

The phrase implies a task is as impossible as fitting too much liquid into a small container.

Illustration for Physical Impossibility
Expecting one person to do the work of four is like trying to put a quart into a pint pot.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Origin

It's a British phrase, so it may not be understood in countries using different liquid measurements.

Illustration for Cultural Origin
He described his new job at the United Nations as trying to put a quart into a pint pot.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

Often used metaphorically for tasks with inadequate resources or space.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The new software has so many features, it feels like they've tried to put a quart into a pint pot.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Impossibility

The phrase implies a task is as impossible as fitting too much liquid into a small container.

Illustration for Physical Impossibility
Expecting one person to do the work of four is like trying to put a quart into a pint pot.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Origin

It's a British phrase, so it may not be understood in countries using different liquid measurements.

Illustration for Cultural Origin
He described his new job at the United Nations as trying to put a quart into a pint pot.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

Often used metaphorically for tasks with inadequate resources or space.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
The new software has so many features, it feels like they've tried to put a quart into a pint pot.
Visual representation of the word "Put a quart into a pint pot"

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