a descriptive phrase for attempting any hopeless task. If you've ever tried to push water uphill you'll understand the concept.
literal-Part of my job involves clearing water from the floor of my work station. Because the floor is pitched away from the drain, it takes an inordinate amount of time to clear the water, because I'm always pushing it uphill.
figurative-Asking your boss for a raise in these times of tight money makes as much sense as pushing water uphill.
figurative-Asking your boss for a raise in these times of tight money makes as much sense as pushing water uphill.
by earpuller January 19, 2006
Get the pushing water uphillmug. This is a phrase you say when everything is going your way - things are looking up - there are challenges ahead but it is looking more and more likely that you will be able to overcome them. It can also be used as an action phrase - "time to get the ball rolling uphill".
"Looks like we finally got approval for our innovative but risky product! The ball sure is rolling uphill!"
You actually don't have to take that test today! The ball is rolling uphill!
We really need to get the ball rolling uphill if we are going to get done on time.
You actually don't have to take that test today! The ball is rolling uphill!
We really need to get the ball rolling uphill if we are going to get done on time.
by mad rat April 12, 2023
Get the The Ball is Rolling Uphillmug. by Paulo November 20, 2003
Get the Push shit uphillmug. 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.
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".
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".
by MoLincs September 20, 2009
Get the pushing diarrhoea uphill with a rakemug. Tom: "I'd hit that standing up."
Steve:"How? She's like a foot taller than you."
Tom: "Easy. I'll be fucking uphill!"
Steve:"How? She's like a foot taller than you."
Tom: "Easy. I'll be fucking uphill!"
by Djsparty May 11, 2010
Get the Fucking Uphillmug. by Yelnats May 23, 2020
Get the Uphill Stanleymug. A humorous slang term for "picking the nose", derived from the Indonesian word "upil" which has the same meaning.
by Emotional Cruiser July 10, 2025
Get the uphillmug.