Put a quart into a pint pot

Pro Tip 1/3

Physical Impossibility

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

Expecting one person to do the work of four is like trying to put a quart into a pint pot.

Pro Tip 2/3

Cultural Origin

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

He described his new job at the United Nations as trying to put a quart into a pint pot.

Pro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

Often used metaphorically for tasks with inadequate resources or space.

The new software has so many features, it feels like they've tried to put a quart into a pint pot.