Friday phrase: Bridge of Asses or Pons Asinorum

[med_cat]

Bridge of Asses or Pons Asinorum (Latin for "Bridge of Asses") is a term used to refer to a problem that severely tests the ability of an inexperienced person, and therefore separates the serious and dedicated students from the “asses.”

It is said that students are as reluctant to tackle these problems as donkeys (asses) are to cross over a bridge. Once a student is experienced in his field, however, the problem appears relatively simple.

The term can be used to refer to a problem that is a stumbling block in any field, or to a problem whose solution seems pointless.

Read further in this article

Comments

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Oh so that's the connotation. I'd seen the phrase but never looked it up.

[med_cat]

Same here :)

I'd seen it before but never actually knew what it meant exactly; then came across it the other day and decided to look it up.

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

Very nice! Don't think I would've known about this without you!

[med_cat]

Always my pleasure :) I saw it mentioned in a poem recently, and decided to look it up.