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плетью обуха не перешибешь stresses
proverb	might is right (nothing can be achieved when the circumstances are unfavourable, when your opponent is stronger than you); a whip can't stand up to an axe
плетью обуха не перешибёшь
gen.	it is impossible to break the butt end with a lash; one can't break through a wall with his forehead; one cannot break through a wall with his forehead; you can't break through a wall with your forehead; you cannot break through a wall with your forehead
idiom.	you can't chop wood with a penknife; it's impossible to break the butt end with a lash (Yeldar Azanbayev)
proverb	there is no arguing with a large fist; you cannot chop wood with a penknife; you can't knock down a wall with a peashooter; you cannot cut blocks with a razor (contrast: the word "impossible" is not in my dictionary); he must needs go whom the devil drives; needs must when the devil drives (дословно: Приходится, когда чёрт гонит (т.е. против необходимости ничего не поделаешь))
Игорь Миг, proverb	you can't erase a new drawing with an old eraser