hek3 lik6 bat1 tou2 hou2吃力不討好吃力不讨好

How it's used

This idiom is frequently used to describe situations where someone takes on a burden that others avoid, only to find that their efforts go unnoticed or are met with criticism. It captures a specific sense of frustration where the outcome is both exhausting and unrewarding. It is common to hear it used when advising someone against taking on unnecessary responsibilities that will likely lead to resentment.