to look for fish by climbing a tree; to attempt the impossible by using the wrong method
A classical proverb originating from Mencius, used to describe a futile effort where the approach itself guarantees failure. Often cited in literary or didactic contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Like looking for fish by climbing a tree, that plan cannot possibly succeed.
彼のやり方はまさに木に縁りて魚を求むようなものだ。
His method is exactly like trying to find fish in a tree.
Both are proverbs about futile or impractical efforts, but 畳の上の水練 specifically refers to theoretical knowledge without real-world application, while 木に縁りて魚を求む emphasizes choosing an inherently wrong method.
A common expression for wasting effort, but it does not carry the classical, literary tone or the specific nuance of method error that 木に縁りて魚を求む does.
From the Chinese classic Mencius, where it illustrates the futility of using force to achieve benevolent rule. The Japanese reading is a literal translation of the classical Chinese phrase.