0
It refers to a pointless action. Another similar British idiom is " carrying coals to Newcastle". It means: You are doing something that will have no positive affect. you are wasting your time!
Obviousely you cannot really carry water in a sieve, so when someone says that, they are basically saying that you are not acheiving anything.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What does the idiom by the water fountain mean?
This is not an idiom I have ever heard. Perhaps you mean water cooler talk, which means chat that might occur between workers at the water cooler or anywhere else.
What does the idiom ride with the tide mean?
It's not an idiom - ships once had to ride the tide out of harbors because they didn't have motors and had to rely on the tide and the wind to carry them along.
What does the idiom itchy nose mean?
It is not an idiom, it means your nose is itching.
What does idiom mean in poetry?
idiom means expression like a page in a book
What does the idiom badjohn mean?
Simply its mean a bully.
What does sieve mean in idiom terms?
"Sieve" is not an idiom. See the related link.
What does the idiom by the water fountain mean?
This is not an idiom I have ever heard. Perhaps you mean water cooler talk, which means chat that might occur between workers at the water cooler or anywhere else.
What does the idiom He doesn't carry plantains mean?
It means that he doesn't have plantains in stock or doesn't sell them.
What does memory like a sieve mean?
Gag answer: Somebody told me, but I forgot what they said!Real answer: The word "sieve" in this context is used figuratively with reference to the fact that a sieve does not hold all its contents. Just as water goes into a sieve and flows through it, so facts go into a memory like a sieve and then disappear.
What does the idiom ride with the tide mean?
It's not an idiom - ships once had to ride the tide out of harbors because they didn't have motors and had to rely on the tide and the wind to carry them along.
What is 3 to 4 sieve green bean mean?
what is bigger a 3 sieve or 4 sieve green bean
What does the idiom to go through fire and water for someone or something mean?
This is not an idiom. An idiom is an expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from its elements. To go through fire and water for someone is easily understood to mean to make a special effort and to undergo difficulties for that person's sake.
What does the idiom 'water seeks its own level' mean?
It is not an idiom, it is fact. A hose can be used for a water level with hundreds of feet between the two points. As long as two bodies of water are connected somehow, they will be at the same level. As an idiom, it would mean a person tends to seek out people they feel are equal or have the same point of view.
What does the idiom as quick as water mean?
First, when you see the phrase AS ___ AS ___ it is A Simile instead of an idiom. It is easy to figure out the meaning of a simile. Water flows quickly, so the simile means that whatever it is, it's as fast as water flowing.
What do you mean by sieve no10?
A number of a sieve means how far apart the holes are as in the wires are closer together so bigger items stay in the sieve and so on
What does the idiom as a ducks takes to water mean?
As a duck takes to water means that you learnt very quickly or immediately and enjoyed the experience
What does the word sieve mean in the story cells?
A sieve is something that separates insoluble substances from a solution. In the kitchen, a sieve is meshed wire, with tiny holes in it to allow the water to pass through, but doesn't allow insoluble substances.To sieve (verb) means to sift or separate things.
