木きに縁よりて魚うおを求もとむ

expression

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.

• 木きに縁よりて魚うおを求もとむがごとく、その計けい画かくは成せい功こうするはずがない。

  Like looking for fish by climbing a tree, that plan cannot possibly succeed.

• 彼かれのやり方かたはまさに木きに縁よりて魚うおを求もとむようなものだ。

  His method is exactly like trying to find fish in a tree.