Bear-to-bear struggle, monkeys fishing for the moon, pulling out seedlings to encourage, in vain, seeking fish from wood, man will conquer nature, drinking poison to quench thirst, over-exploitation
Burning incense in the wrong temple. Haste makes waste. Draw water with a sieve. Flatter the horse and pat it on the horseshoe. You are too clever to be wise.
Lift a rock and drop it on your own feet.