English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

No pain, no gain

Meaning

The idiom "no pain, no gain" means that if you want to achieve something, you must work hard and face difficulties. It suggests that progress and success often require effort and struggle.

Usage

  • "I know it's a tough workout, but no pain, no gain." - This sentence emphasizes the importance of working out regularly and pushing oneself during exercise.
  • "I had to study for hours every day to get good grades, but no pain, no gain." - This sentence shows that studying hard is necessary for academic success.
  • "Starting a business can be stressful and difficult, but no pain, no gain." - This sentence suggests that entrepreneurship requires determination and perseverance.
  • "I had to endure the cold weather to reach the summit, but no pain, no gain." - This sentence highlights the physical challenges required to achieve a goal.
  • "I had to put in a lot of time and effort to learn a new language, but no pain, no gain." - This sentence shows that learning a new skill takes dedication and hard work.

Roots and History

The idiom "no pain, no gain" has been used for centuries and is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It was originally used as a motivational phrase to encourage people to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Over time, the phrase has become a popular idiom that is used in contemporary language.

Synonyms in English

  • "Hard work pays off."
  • "You can't reap what you don't sow."
  • "The early bird catches the worm."
  • "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."
  • "A watched pot never boils."

Synonyms in other languages

  • French - "Plus efforts plus victoire" - This phrase translates to "More effort, more victory," and emphasizes the importance of hard work to achieve success.
  • Spanish - "El trabajo no hay que ser difícil" - This phrase translates to "Work should not be difficult," and suggests that achieving success requires dedication and perseverance.
  • German - "Keine Sorgen, keine Würfe" - This phrase translates to "No worries, no shots" and emphasizes the importance of facing challenges to achieve goals.
  • Italian - "Lavoro non uccide" - This phrase translates to "Work does not kill" and suggests that hard work is necessary for success.
  • Russian - "Ответите на вызов" - This phrase translates to "Answer the challenge," and emphasizes the importance of facing difficulties to achieve one's goals.

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