a rope
Examples
God can be realized through all paths. All religions are true. The important thing is to reach the roof. You can reach it by stone stairs or by wooden stairs or by bamboo steps or by a rope. You can also climb up by a bamboo pole.
Guilt is a rope that wears thin.
Sex at age 90 is like trying to shoot pool with a rope.
You can't push on a rope.
Time is longer than a rope.
Time and the hour are not to be tied with a rope.