Phrase guide

like talking to a wall

prep_phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

A futile or unsuccessful attempt at communication due to the ignorance or stubbornness of the other party.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Are you even listening to me? It's like talking to a wall.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 對牛彈琴 /对牛弹琴 (duìniútánqín) — unsuccessful communication
  • Chinese Mandarin: 秀才遇到兵——有理說不清 /秀才遇到兵——有理说不清 (xiùcái yùdào bīng, yǒulǐ shuōbùqīng) — unsuccessful communication
  • Czech: jako házet hrách na stěnu — unsuccessful communication
  • Finnish: kuin seinälle puhuisi — unsuccessful communication
  • Hungarian: falra hányt borsó — unsuccessful communication
  • Polish: groch o ścianę — unsuccessful communication
  • Russian: как об сте́нку горо́х (kak ob sténku goróx) — unsuccessful communication
  • Scottish Gaelic: mar a bhith a' bruidhinn ri each na chadal — unsuccessful communication