The story
First use apppears c. the 18th century.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
fool's errand
Today it means: A foolish undertaking, especially one that is purposeless, fruitless, nonsensical, or certain to fail. Full definition →
Today it means: A foolish undertaking, especially one that is purposeless, fruitless, nonsensical, or certain to fail. Full definition →
First use apppears c. the 18th century.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.