Can't teach give-a-shit

Phrase used to explain the inability to force another to display conscientious behavior to complete a task properly; the inability to impart upon another individual a sense of duty or obligation (give-a-shit) that would otherwise be felt by a normal person in the same role. Usually used as a reactionary expression of disappointment and/or exasperation.

Ex 1. Employer describing employees: "Every time a copier runs out of paper, my employees will just use another copier instead of filling the first one up... you just can't teach give-a-shit!"

Ex 2. Homeowner describing contractor: "I hired some painters to paint my house and they didn't bother to remove the shutters around the windows, now only one side of the shutters are painted and the house color behind the shutters is unchanged! You just can't teach give-a-shit!"

Ex 3. Parent describing their child: "My son keeps leaving the door wide open when he leaves for school. No matter how many times I remind him, he never remembers to close the door behind him. I guess you just can't teach give-a-shit."

by Dougboyisms June 9, 2013

Don’t try to teach a pig to sing

Don’t try to teach a pig to sing; it doesn’t work and it annoys the pig. Basically don’t bother teaching a stubborn person a life lesson if they’re not gonna learn from their mistakes anyway. They’re still going to keep making the same stupid mistake and expect a different result every time.

Due to Nicole’s stupidity for the last decade with the “edgy” ex-boyfriends and getting arrested multiple times, she’s never going to learn to grow the fuck up and never learn lessons in life. Don’t try to teach a pig to sing.

by rosenovarocks August 13, 2021

You can't teach class

When one has been blessed by certain individuals to grace them with HOW YOU SHOULD BE.

I'm sorry, you can bring a goat to water but you can't teach class.

by misstara007 September 18, 2021

What does Mr Beast teach?

blasphemy and greed a youtube star million of views but tell me : what would jesus do? You see hes not a christan channel does he like the number of man? ill bet somewhere he has a 6 6 6 tattoo so please heed my warning you'r young your brain is still forming and father knows best forget Mr beast !

YOU:Yo "What does Mr Beast teach?"

Me: blasphemy and greed!

by imdoingthisonmyschoolaccount October 5, 2022

you can't teach an old dog new tricks

It means that it is very hard to change someones habits

You can't teach an old dog new tricks when they have been used to using a cell phone instead of a smart phone.

by Zahraa June 13, 2017

You can teach a goat to square dance, but that doesn’t mean he’ll like cupcakes

Life is unpredictable, strange and beautiful. Always live on the bright side of life.

Well, you know what they say “you can teach a goat to square dance, but that doesn’t mean he’ll like cupcakes”

by Dudewholikesbannanas May 8, 2021

You can’t teach a Duck how to fly like an Eagle

When you can’t get what you’re working with up to the required standard

Jeff: “That bloke just isn’t cut out for the job”
Tim: “yeah mate, you can’t teach a Duck how to fly like an Eagle”

by killacrip August 12, 2021