It is just like English sayings and phrases, there are Japanese sayings and phrases as well. It is called [kotowaza ことわざ].

Today’s kotowaza

馬の耳に念仏　Uma no mimi ni nenbutsu

Few words for you.

Uma – a horse

mimi – an ear

Nenbutsu – Buddhist prayer

A crow imitating a cormorant.

It seemed like I was preaching to the wind while talking to him.

Its origin

Even if you chant many times to a horse’s ear he does not understand at all.

Its meaning

When someone is not ready to listen to your advise or opinion, it is pointless to tell them.

arigato