yǒu​yì​zāi​huā​huā​bù​fā

effort without reward

Senses

有意栽花花不发/ 有意栽花花不發 yǒu​yì​zāi​huā​huā​bù​fā effort without reward

to plant flowers with intent but the flowers do not bloom; describes a situation where careful effort and planning fail to produce the desired outcome

References

see 无心插柳柳成阴/無心插柳柳成陰 有意栽花花不发/有意栽花花不發