English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
A rolling stone gathers no moss
Meaning
The idiom "a rolling stone gathers no moss" means that a person who is always on the move, traveling or working, does not accumulate responsibilities or obligations. It implies that such individuals are carefree and do not have any commitments that weigh them down.
Usage
- Sarah's busy travel schedule ensures that she never gathers too much moss in one place.
- John's job requires him to be on the move, so he doesn't have time to settle down and accumulate responsibilities.
- The nomadic lifestyle of the wandering tribes of the desert ensures that they don't gather too much moss.
- The constant changes in technology mean that programmers never have time to get complacent and gather too much moss.
- After years of traveling the world, Maria had no ties or obligations that weighed her down. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe a person who is always on the move, whether it's for work, travel, or personal reasons. The idiom can also be used to describe someone who is always avoiding responsibilities and obligations.
Roots and History
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. One theory suggests that the phrase comes from the Bible, where Jesus says "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it." This suggests that a person who is always on the move and doesn't accumulate responsibilities is living life to its fullest. The meaning of the idiom has remained largely consistent over time, although its usage may have changed depending on cultural and regional contexts.
Synonyms in English
- A rolling stone gathers no dust
- Keep moving forward
- Don't settle down
- Don't get rooted
- Stay nimble
Synonyms in other languages
- Le chasseur ne se léve pas tard (French) - The hunter does not rise late
- La vita è bella per chi corre (Italian) - Life is beautiful for those who run
- 我不讓家庭生長 (Japanese) - I don't let my family grow old
- 移动无法回避 (Chinese) - Motion cannot be avoided
- وناديجكَ منتخَبَنَعُوسَرِيَ فَتَلَقَىَانَ المشاركةَ الأوروبيَ (Arabic) - We were chosen to be part of the European partnership, so we traveled to meet them.