Trying to do the
near impossible due to having or being given the wrong tools or insufficiency of time.
Usually preceded by "like pushing...".
The refusal of management to
see the blindingly obvious despite it being pointed out and insisting upon something inappropriate.
A:"Can you get this
new program to print?".
B:"No, I've told the service centre every
day this week but they still say it's ok; dealing with them is like pushing diarrhoea uphill with a
rake".