you cannot make a crab walk straight

you cannot make a crab walk straight

proverb There is no point trying to accomplish something that is not actually possible. (Crabs are known for walking sideways.) Why are you try to teach her this game when she clearly isn't interested? You cannot make a crab walk straight, you know. A: "Billy's trying to mix oil and water again." B: "Oh boy. Someone needs to tell him that you can't make a crab walk straight."
See also: cannot, crab, make, straight, walk
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • teach a man to fish
  • it takes a village
  • village
  • the best-laid plans
  • the best-laid plans go astray
  • the best-laid plans of mice and men
  • best-laid plans go astray, the
  • change horses in midstream, don't
  • better bend than break
  • a little knowledge is a dangerous thing