zhú​lán​dǎ​shuǐ

wasted effort

Senses

竹篮打水/ 竹籃打水 zhú​lán​dǎ​shuǐ wasted effort

using a wicker basket to draw water; a metaphor for all one's efforts being in vain

References

see 竹篮打水/竹籃打水 竹篮打水一场空/竹籃打水一場空
same_as 竹篮儿打水/竹籃兒打水 竹篮打水/竹籃打水