Be banging, etc. your head against a brick wall
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Pain
Imagine the frustration and pain of actually hitting your head against a wall — the phrase shares this strong emotion. 
Every time I try to fix this issue, it's like I'm banging my head against a brick wall.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Usage
Used figuratively, not describing a real action, to express effort with no results. 
Organizing the event felt like banging my head against a brick wall.
Pro Tip 3/3Fruitless Efforts
Highlights the sense of futility when actions do not lead to success. 
I've been hitting my head against a brick wall trying to learn advanced calculus.