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UKmilk the / a bull / ram
/mˈɪlk ðɪ ɐ bˈʊl ɹˈam/
/mˈɪlk ðɪ ɐ bˈʊl ɹˈæm/to milk the / a bull / ram
[PHRASE]
![to [milk] (the|a) (bull|ram) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/41244/original/ "to [milk] (the|a) (bull|ram) definition and meaning")
What is the origin of the idiom "milk the bull" and when to use it?
The phrase "milk the bull" may have originated from the idea that bulls are male and therefore cannot produce milk, making the act of milking a bull pointless and impossible. This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is attempting to do something that is impossible or to try to extract something from a situation or person that is not possible.
Examples
1. The sales team was milking the ram by continuing to promote a product that was clearly not selling.
2. The project team is milking the ram by focusing on minor details instead of addressing the major issues.
3. Trying to convince him to change his mind is like trying to milk a bull - it's just not going to happen.
4. If we keep focusing on this issue, we'll just be milking the bull - it's time to move on to something else.
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