seek a knot in a bulrush



seek a knot in a bulrush

To engage in a futile task; to try to find problems where none exist. A bulrush is a grassy plant that is not prone to knots. You'd have better luck seeking a knot in a bulrush than getting those flowers to grow on such rocky soil. I read the report so many times that the boss will be seeking a knot in a bulrush to try to find errors in it.
See also: knot, seek

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
GijsKHIESDutch
Mala-Indian, Hindi
Vasilisavah-see-LEE-sahRussian
Kapil-Indian, Hindi, Marathi
Dezirindade-zee-REEN-dahEsperanto
Vitalyvee-TAH-lee (Russian)Russian, Ukrainian