To feed the donkey sponge cake
"To feed the donkey sponge cake" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a futile or nonsensical action, often involving efforts that are wasted or ineffective. The imagery evoked by this phrase is that of attempting to provide something utterly unsuitable or inappropriate for its intended recipient. In this case, feeding sponge cake to a donkey, which typically consumes coarse grains and hay, highlights the absurdity and impracticality of the endeavor.
Moreover, "to feed the donkey sponge cake" suggests a misallocation of resources or efforts, where valuable resources are wasted on actions that yield no meaningful results. It conveys the sense of engaging in fruitless or pointless activities, akin to pouring time and energy into tasks that offer no tangible benefits or solutions. This expression is commonly used to humorously critique situations where individuals invest effort into endeavors that are ultimately doomed to fail or produce no useful outcomes.