Make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Nature
Understand that it is an idiomatic expression and not meant to be taken literally. 
He thinks he can cook a gourmet meal with instant noodles; that's like trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
Pro Tip 2/3Implied Difficulty
It suggests an attempt to do something very difficult or impossible. 
The team is trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear by fixing the old, rusty car.
Pro Tip 3/3Optimism vs. Reality
It's often used to highlight an optimistic person's unrealistic goals. 
She believes she can transform the barren land into a garden, truly making a silk purse out of a sow's ear.