If you beat your head against a wall, you try to do something that looks hopeless.

You may also say you:

• Bang your head against a wall
• Bang your head against a brick wall

However you say it, the expression means you waste your time.

You beat your head against a wall when you try again and again with no success.

Few people beat their head against a real wall. However, some do. Unless you want a terrible headache, don’t try it.

Beat your head against a wall means you feel frustrated.

You may want to:

• Reach a goal that appears impossible
• Help someone who refuses your help
• Stop a bad habit you keep repeating

You cannot figure out what to do. As a result, you get down in the dumps.

Although frustrated, you don’t want to give up too soon.

• You may reach your goal if you try one more time.
• The person you want to help may succeed with one more chance.
• You will never break that bad habit unless you keep trying.

With one more try, you may begin to see daylight.

Sometimes you turn your frustrations into beauty.

What can a farmer do with rocks in his field?

• He can beat his head against a wall because of all the rocks.
• Or he can build a fence that becomes a work of art.

Occasionally you do need to give up.

You decide to spend your time more wisely. Therefore, you:

• Do what you can.
• Accept what you cannot.
• Make the best use of the time you have.

“Why bother even trying to do anything with you when you just keep to your bullheaded ways? You keep beating your heads against brick walls. (Isaiah 1:5 MSG).

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment.

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