Definition & Meaning of "[boil] the ocean"

What is the origin of the idiom "boil the ocean" and when to use it?

The phrase "boil the ocean" likely originated from the idea of trying to boil the entire ocean, which is obviously impossible. Today, the idiom is commonly used in business or corporate contexts to describe a situation where someone is attempting to achieve an unattainable or impractical goal, often at great expense or effort. The phrase can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where someone is attempting to achieve something that is beyond their capabilities or resources.