English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Blood, sweat, and tears
Meaning
The idiom "blood, sweat, and tears" refers to investing a great amount of effort or dedication into something. It suggests that the person putting in all this effort has poured their heart and soul into the task at hand, and it is not just about physical labor but also emotional and mental effort.
Usage
- The athlete put in blood, sweat, and tears to win the race.
- She worked tirelessly on her project, pouring blood, sweat, and tears into it.
- The business owner invested every resource he had, including his own blood, sweat, and tears, to make the company successful.
- He poured all of his energy and effort, blood, sweat, and tears, into his new venture.
- She cried blood, sweat, and tears when she failed the exam. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe a specific event or situation where someone has invested an enormous amount of effort, or it can be used more generally to describe someone who consistently puts in all their effort into their work or life.
Roots and History
The exact origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have been first used in the late 19th or early 20th century. It may have been inspired by the grueling work conditions in factories during that time, where workers would pour sweat, blood, and tears into their labor. Over time, the idiom has evolved to reflect different cultural influences and changes in language usage. Today, it is often used more metaphorically to describe someone who is dedicated to achieving a goal or pursuing a passion, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
Synonyms in English
- All heart
- Gave it their all
- Poured themselves into it
- Put in their sweat equity
- Invested themselves fully
Synonyms in other languages
- French: Aimer le travail (To love work)
- German: Arbeit lieben (To love work)
- Spanish: Amar el trabajo (To love work)
- Italian: Amare il lavoro (To love work)
- Greek: Αγαπησει τρáβον (To love work)