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Definition

To do something difficult, frustrating, or pointless.

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In Context

  • "Bradley looked at the fire, with a working face, and was silent for a while. At last he said, with what seemed an inconsistent composure of voice and feature: ‘You can’t get blood out of a stone, Riderhood.’"
  • ""I suppose the law has some protection to offer them." "Can the law get blood out of a stone? I haven't any money. I've got about a hundred pounds.""
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Also Said As

  • get blood from a turnip
  • get blood out of a turnip
  • pull teeth
  • squeeze blood out of a turnip
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Related Idioms

s

stepping stone

Something used as a way to progress to something or somewhere else.

 s

set in stone

To render something permanent, certain, or firm.

 h

heavy going

Something that is boring; difficult to make progress on, or tedious

 i

in the thick of

In the middle of (something difficult).

 p

pull off

To achieve, accomplish, succeed at (something difficult).

 c

coals to Newcastle

A pointless venture, in the sense of sending something to a place wher…
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