To attempt to achieve a goal using unsuitable or inadequate means, implying futility or impossibility; like trying to eat from a pot with an awl.
他想用这种过时的方法解决问题，简直就是以锥餐壶，注定要失败。
He tried to solve the problem with this outdated method, which is like trying to eat from a pot with an awl, destined to fail.
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