TIL "to pull oneself up by one's bootstraps" is an example of an impossible task. The idiom dates at least to 1834, from the Workingman's Advocate: "It is conjectured that Mr. Murphee will now be enabled to hand himself over the Cumberland river or a barn yard fence by the straps of his boots.
en.wikipedia.orgSubmitted by meat-juice t3_11gbneo in todayilearned
WaterChi t1_janshm6 wrote
.. which is why it's particularly cruel when people tell you it's your fault if you can't do it. They are laughing at those less fortunate, mocking them.