English Idiom – (Be) Like talking to a brick wall.

Meaning – To be completely ignored by someone. This expression is used when the person you are speaking to does not listen.

If you are talking to someone and they are not responding or acknowledging you at all, then you may as well be talking to an inanimate object – like a brick wall!

Banging your head against a brick wall is a similar English idiom. This expression can be used when are frustrated because you are not making progress with something – despite doing something repeatedly.

If someone hits the wall they stop making progress. They have reached a point when they have run out of energy or motivation.

Related Expressions:

Usage:

When could you use this idiom?

  • You are talking to your partner, but they are watching TV and ignoring you completely.
  • A friend is playing with their phone and not responding to your questions.
  • One of your children is ignoring you because you are asking them to help you with the housework.

Example:

  • “I’ve asked you time and time again to tidy your room. It’s like talking to a brick wall. Are you listening to me at all?”

In The News:

“All email responses from Boxted Bridge enquires to the public arrive unsigned: it is like talking to a brick wall.”

Discuss:

  • Is there an idiom like this in your country?

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally.  An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.

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