Boil the ocean

Meaning

The idiom "boil the ocean" means to try to do something that is beyond one's capabilities or to take on more than one can handle. It often implies trying to do something quickly or efficiently, but ultimately failing.

Usage

• The new employee was so eager to prove himself that he tried to boil the ocean by taking on too many projects at once.
• Despite his best efforts, the student couldn't boil the ocean and failed the exam.
• The team was hoping to make a big splash in the market, but they ended up boiling the ocean by failing to deliver on their promises.
• The chef's ambitious plan to create a Michelin-starred restaurant in a small town ultimately boiled over when he realized he couldn't handle the workload.
• The politician made bold promises during the campaign, but ultimately boiled the ocean by failing to deliver on his promises.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is unclear, but it may have come from the idea of trying to boil something that is difficult or impossible to do. It could also be related to the idea of trying to do too much at once and becoming overwhelmed. The idiom has been in use since at least the mid-20th century.

Synonyms in English

• bite off more than one can chew
• take on too much
• try to do everything at once
• spread oneself too thin
• overcommit

Synonyms in other languages

• 中文: 做不到自己的Expectations (do not reach one's own expectations)
• 法语: s’en prendre trop en tête (take on too much)
• 日本語: 売り上がる役割 (ambitious role)
• 韩国어: 낙품하기 (to fail to deliver)
• 아퐴셋어: 도중에 갈 때 잊지만 안녕히 가십시오(see you later, don't forget me)

Similar Idioms

• dog and pony show

• be up on

• blind as a bat