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never offer to teach a fish to swim

 

Definitions from the Web

Term: never offer to teach a fish to swim

Definition:

Expression: An idiom meaning it is pointless to try to teach someone a skill they already possess.

Sense 1:

Part of Speech: Phrase

Meaning: Advising against offering help or guidance in a certain area where the person is already proficient.

Example Sentence: He's an experienced pianist, so it would be like offering to teach a fish to swim if I tried to give him piano lessons.

Sense 2:

Part of Speech: Proverb

Meaning: Suggests that it is unnecessary and illogical to provide assistance or instruction to something or someone who is already naturally adept.

Example Sentence: Trying to teach my sister how to make coffee is like trying to teach a fish to swim. She's been a barista for years!

Related Products:

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