chuī​shā​zuò​fàn

cook sand to make rice

Senses

炊沙作饭/ 炊沙作飯 chuī​shā​zuò​fàn cook sand to make rice

to attempt something impossible; a waste of effort or a futile task

References

variant 炊沙成饭/炊沙成飯 炊沙作饭/炊沙作飯
variant 炊砂作饭/炊砂作飯 炊沙作饭/炊沙作飯