What is the origin of the idiom "like talking to a wall" and when to use it?

The idiom "like talking to a wall" is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century. Today, this idiom is commonly used to describe a frustrating situation where someone is attempting to communicate with someone who is unresponsive or uninterested. The idiom implies that the person being spoken to is as unyielding and unresponsive as a wall or brick, making communication impossible.