the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > uselessness, vanity, or futility > [noun] > a profitless undertaking > object or result of (2)
In various metaphorical and similative uses. In phrases implying the exercise or employment of fruitless labour. to plough the sands: see plough, v.…
An imaginary substance which, as a joke, a child or gullible person may be sent to buy.