枉费心机
他的努力枉费心机了，因为项目被取消了。
His efforts were in vain because the project was canceled.
To expend effort or scheme that ultimately proves futile or unsuccessful.
她花了好几个月的时间准备这个计划，结果枉费心机。
She spent several months preparing this plan, only to see her efforts go to waste.
别人早就知道他的计划，所以他的心机枉费了。
Others already knew about his plan, so his scheming was in vain.
This idiom is often used to describe situations where someone's careful planning or efforts are wasted due to unforeseen circumstances or others' actions.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
This idiom is often used when someone's careful planning or efforts are wasted due to unforeseen circumstances or others' actions.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
While '心机' can mean 'scheming,' the idiom is not necessarily negative; it can also refer to any effort that proves futile.
Word Origin
The idiom combines '枉费' (to waste) and '心机' (scheming or effort), reflecting the idea of expending effort that ultimately leads to no result.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express disappointment or frustration over wasted effort. It can refer to both physical and mental efforts.