no pain, no gain: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘no pain, no gain’ mean?
The idiom "no pain, no gain" means that in order to achieve something valuable or worthwhile, one must be willing to work hard and face difficulties or challenges.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "tough going" means that a situation or task is difficult or challenging. It implies that progress or success is not easily achieved and requires a lot of effort and perseverance.
The idiom "salt in the wound" means to worsen an already difficult or painful situation, often by adding insult to injury.
The idiom *rough patch* refers to a difficult or challenging period of time in someone's life or a situation. It implies that things are not going well and there are obstacles or problems to overcome.
The idiom "rise to the challenge" means to confront and overcome a difficult situation or task with determination, resilience, and success.
The idiom "raw deal" means to receive unfair treatment or a bad outcome in a situation.
<p>The idiom <em>put through the wringer</em> means to subject someone or something to a difficult or challenging experience that tests their endurance or resilience. It is often used to describe being put under intense pressure or scrutiny.</p>
The idiom "put one's back into" means to exert a lot of physical effort or work very hard to achieve a task or goal.
The idiom "push water uphill" means attempting to do something that is extremely difficult or impossible to achieve. It implies a futile or pointless effort that goes against the natural flow or logic of a situation.
The idiom "pull teeth" means a difficult or challenging task, often involving persuading or extracting information from someone who is uncooperative or reluctant.
Surprising Ties
The idiom "no pain, no gain" is a well-known phrase that conveys the idea that in order to achieve success or make progress, one must be willing to endure hardships or put in substantial effort. This concept can be related to other idioms such as "no guts, no glory", "tough going", and "pay one's dues". These idioms all emphasize the idea that there are obstacles and challenges that must be overcome in order to achieve desired outcomes.
While the exact origin of the idiom "no pain, no gain" is unclear, it is commonly associated with the world of fitness and bodybuilding. The phrase gained prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when it became a popular slogan among weightlifters and athletes. This period also saw the rise of the fitness industry, with a growing emphasis on intense workouts and the idea that one must embrace pain in order to build strength and achieve physical fitness goals.
The idiom "no pain, no gain" consists of two simple words, each with an easily recognizable meaning on its own. "Pain" refers to the discomfort or suffering associated with physical or emotional distress, while "gain" signifies the benefits or rewards that result from hard work or effort. When combined, these two words create a memorable and impactful expression that encapsulates the belief that sacrifices and perseverance are necessary for achieving success.
Through its widespread usage, the idiom "no pain, no gain" has become a common mantra in various aspects of life beyond fitness. It has been embraced as a motivational phrase, encouraging individuals to push their limits, take risks, and embrace challenges in pursuit of their goals. This mindset recognizes that growth and progress often require stepping outside of one's comfort zone and enduring temporary hardships.
The related idiom "no guts, no glory" reinforces the idea that taking risks and being brave are essential for achieving success. Just as "no pain, no gain" suggests that one must be willing to endure discomfort, "no guts, no glory" emphasizes the importance of courage and boldness in the face of challenges. Both idioms acknowledge that success often requires venturing into unfamiliar territory and confronting fears.
Similarly, the idiom "tough going" highlights the difficult nature of the journey towards success. It acknowledges that the path to achieving goals may be arduous and challenging, but the rewards at the end make it worthwhile. The phrase also implies that perseverance and determination are necessary when faced with obstacles and setbacks.
"Pay one's dues" is another idiom related to "no pain, no gain" that emphasizes the idea of putting in effort and earning success. It suggests that one must work hard, make sacrifices, and prove oneself in order to achieve desired outcomes. Just as "no pain, no gain" implies that success requires enduring hardships, "pay one's dues" suggests that success is not handed out freely, but must be earned through dedication and perseverance.
While these idioms convey similar messages, it is important to note that they should not be taken too literally. They do not suggest that one should actively seek out pain, harm, or unnecessary risks. Instead, they emphasize the idea that progress and success may require discomfort, effort, and perseverance, even when faced with adversity or setbacks.
It is essential to recognize that not all situations warrant the same level of sacrifice or pain. The idioms should be interpreted with discretion, as blindly adhering to the mentality of "no pain, no gain" can potentially lead to burnout or disregarding one's well-being. It is important to strike a balance between pushing oneself and taking care of one's physical and emotional health.
The idiom "no pain, no gain" and its related idioms such as "no guts, no glory", "tough going", and "pay one's dues" convey the idea that achieving success often requires embracing discomfort, taking risks, and persevering through challenges. While these idioms serve as motivational phrases, it is crucial to approach them with discernment and prioritize well-being. By understanding the underlying messages behind these idioms, we can apply them to our lives in a way that promotes growth and progress without sacrificing our physical and emotional health.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "no pain, no gain" can be used in a sentence:
1. "I know you're finding it challenging to learn a new language, but remember, no pain, no gain."
2. "If you want to reach your fitness goals, you have to push yourself during workouts. No pain, no gain."
3. "Sometimes, in order to succeed, you have to endure difficult and uncomfortable situations. No pain, no gain."
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