waste time reasoning with someone who will not listen
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- 1 waste time reasoning with someone who will not listen、give advice or instruction to an unreceptive person
This idiom describes the futility of explaining, teaching, or giving advice to someone who will not understand or listen.
waste time reasoning with someone who will not listen、give advice or instruction to an unreceptive person
It means wasting effort explaining or giving advice to someone who is unwilling or unable to appreciate it.
Learning notes
Explanation
Literally, the expression means “to play a saw, a Thai bowed string instrument, for a water buffalo.” The image suggests that the listener cannot appreciate or understand what is being offered. It is used when explanations, teaching, or advice are wasted on someone who will not take them in.
Usage
It is commonly used when repeated explanations have had no effect, or when someone consistently ignores advice. A frequent pattern is เหมือนสีซอให้ควายฟัง, meaning that the situation is like trying to reason with someone who will not listen.
Caution
The expression is derogatory because it compares the listener to a water buffalo and implies stupidity or complete unreceptiveness. Saying it directly to someone can be highly insulting, and it should not be used merely because two people disagree.