make bricks without straw
Perform a task without essential materials or means, as in Writing a report without the current data is making bricks without straw. This expression alludes to straw as a material necessary in early brick manufacturing. [Early 1600s]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
How to use make bricks without straw in a sentence
"I can't make bricks without straw," Allen retorted sullenly.
Mr. Grex of Monte Carlo | E. Phillips OppenheimBut the brownies do not work unbidden, and they will not make bricks without straw.
Major Prophets of To-Day | Edwin E. SlossonProbably you would feel as we suppose the Israelites did when required to make bricks without straw.
E.P. Roe: Reminiscences of his Life | Mary A. RoeHe had so often been called upon to “make bricks without straw,” that he exulted in this splendid material ready to his hand.
Bert Wilson's Twin Cylinder Racer | J. W. DuffieldBut Russia was compelled to improvise, to make bricks without straw.
England and Germany | Emile Joseph Dillon
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