Sew buttons on ice cream

Posted by Parthian August 30, 2007In reply to Sew buttons on ice cream posted by Parthian on August 30, 2007

What is the origin and meaning of "sew buttons on ice cream"? A relative of my husband would always reply to "So?" with Sew buttons on ice cream"

sounds American to me,the OED has ice-cream first used in 1744 if that is any help.

sorry,as to meaning,I think your relative is wrong,the phrase more naturally is "It is like sewing buttons on ice-cream"-meaning an utterly futile task.