Similar Meaning:
* "You can't cut the air." - This is a literal translation, but it gets the point across. It signifies that something is impossible or intangible.
* "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." - This idiom implies that you can't create something good from something inherently bad.
* "You can't make bricks without straw." - Similar to the previous idiom, it suggests that you need the necessary resources or materials to achieve something.
* "You can't squeeze blood from a stone." - This expresses the impossibility of getting something from a source that doesn't have it.
Closest in Spirit:
* "A fool's errand" - This refers to an attempt that is pointless and bound to fail.
* "Chasing rainbows" - This describes pursuing something that is unrealistic or unattainable.
The closest English phrase in spirit to "air dicincang takkan putus" might be "a futile effort," as it implies that the action is hopeless and will lead to no result.
Ultimately, understanding the nuances of the Malay idiom is important. "Air dicincang takkan putus" goes beyond simply stating that something is impossible. It often implies a stubbornness, a resistance to change or a belief that something will persist despite all odds.