木きに縁よって魚うおを求もとむ

also: きによりてうおをもとむ

Meanings

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)

彼かれの計けい画かくは木きに縁よって魚うおを求もとむようなものだ。
His plan is like climbing a tree to catch fish—doomed from the start.
そんな方ほう法ほうでは木きに縁よって魚うおを求もとむことになる。
With that method, you'll end up asking for the impossible.

Kanji

木tree, wood
縁affinity, relation, connection
魚fish
求request, want, wish for

Related words

木きに縁よりて魚うおを求もとむ
Variant of the same proverb with classical verb form 縁りて. Meaning is identical; 縁って is the more common modernized form.
畑はたけに蛤はまぐり
Another proverb meaning 'looking for clams in a field'—similarly expresses a futile or mismatched effort.

Written forms

木きに縁よって魚うおを求もとむ
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.
木きに縁よりて魚うおを求もとむ
Alternate classical form using 縁りて instead of 縁って. Listed as a cross-reference.

Etymology

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.