also: きによりてうおをもとむ
using the wrong method leads to failure; asking for the impossible; climbing a tree to catch fish
Proverb of Chinese origin (Mencius). Used to criticize an approach that is fundamentally mismatched to the goal, making success impossible. The literal image is 'climbing a tree and seeking fish.'
See also: 木に縁りて魚を求む (きによりてうおをもとむ)
His plan is like climbing a tree to catch fish—doomed from the start.
そんな方法では木に縁って魚を求むことになる。
With that method, you'll end up asking for the impossible.
Variant of the same proverb with classical verb form 縁りて. Meaning is identical; 縁って is the more common modernized form.
Another proverb meaning 'looking for clams in a field'—similarly expresses a futile or mismatched effort.
Standard kanji form of the proverb. The verb 縁る (よる) is archaic; modern Japanese would use 登る or 攀じ登る.
Alternate classical form using 縁りて instead of 縁って. Listed as a cross-reference.
From the Chinese classic Mencius, where it illustrates the futility of using a wrong method to achieve a goal. The Japanese form uses the archaic verb 縁る (to climb) and the classical conclusive form 求む.