boiling the ocean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "boiling the ocean" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an attempt to do something overly ambitious or impossible, often in a business or project management context. Example: "We need to focus on achievable goals instead of boiling the ocean with this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"That's like boiling the ocean; I thought he was absolutely insane," Ms. Liebman said.

The New York Times

The key to boiling the ocean is not to boil the ocean.

TechCrunch

Focus on what you do well and help partners and potential buyers understand your unique value rather than boiling the ocean with a vision that falls short of reality.

TechCrunch

You've seen the titles–In Search of Excellence, Good to Great and you know the gurus, yet somewhere deep inside you've had a sneaking suspicion that these marvelous just-so stories of how to grow your business and think outside the box without boiling the ocean might just be a bit too good to be true.

Forbes

"I am boiling the ocean".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"You can't boil the ocean".

The New York Times

"We didn't want to boil the ocean," she said.

The New York Times

"You can't boil the ocean in one go.

The Guardian

"It's so easy to want to boil the ocean and do everything," he said.

The New York Times

She criticizes Schwarzenegger for trying to "boil the ocean," for being too ambitious.

The New York Times - Magazine

If the entire media was more or less like this, this would be like trying to boil the ocean".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "boiling the ocean" to caution against projects that are too broad or ambitious to be effectively managed. It’s more impactful than simply saying something is 'difficult'.

Common error

Avoid using "boiling the ocean" to describe tasks that are merely challenging but achievable with proper planning and resources. The phrase implies inherent impossibility or impracticality, not just difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The idiom "boiling the ocean" functions as a figurative expression, used to describe attempting something impossibly large or complex. It often serves as a warning against overambition, as evidenced by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Tech

25%

Less common in

Huffington Post

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "boiling the ocean" effectively conveys the impracticality of attempting overwhelmingly large tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its usage across news, business, and tech contexts. When writing, use this idiom to caution against projects that lack focus and are too ambitious to succeed. Alternatives such as "trying to do too much" or "overreaching" may serve as direct substitutes, depending on the intended nuance. Be mindful to avoid applying the phrase to tasks that, while challenging, are realistically achievable with proper planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to do too much

A more straightforward way of expressing the same idea.

attempting the impossible

Focuses on the impossibility of the task rather than the scale.

overreaching

Implies exceeding reasonable limits or boundaries.

chasing rainbows

Suggests pursuing something unattainable or illusory.

biting off more than one can chew

Highlights overestimating one's capabilities and taking on too much.

tilting at windmills

Implies fighting imaginary enemies or engaging in a pointless battle.

spreading oneself too thin

Focuses on the negative impact of attempting too many things simultaneously.

taking on a Herculean task

Emphasizes the immense difficulty and labor involved.

embarking on a fool's errand

Highlights the futility and lack of purpose in the endeavor.

going for broke

Describes a high-risk, all-or-nothing approach.

FAQs

What does it mean to "boil the ocean"?

The idiom "boiling the ocean" describes attempting a task that is impossibly large or complex, often due to a lack of focus or realistic planning.

How can I avoid "boiling the ocean" in project management?

Focus on clearly defined, achievable goals rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and prioritize ruthlessly.

What are some alternative phrases to "boiling the ocean"?

You can use alternatives like "trying to do too much", "overreaching", or "biting off more than you can chew" depending on the context.

Is "boiling the ocean" a formal or informal expression?

"Boiling the ocean" is generally considered an informal idiom, but it's acceptable in many professional settings to caution against overly ambitious undertakings.