No pain no gain Meaning and Definition
No pain no gain
Pronunciation
/nō pan nō gān/
Part of Speech
Idiomatic Expression
Definition
A phrase commonly used to describe the idea that one must endure hardship or difficulty in order to achieve success or reward.
Examples
- I know it’s tough, but no pain no gain – we’ll make it through this.
- The athlete was willing to push through the pain because she knew that no pain no gain would lead to victory.
Etymology
Originated in the mid-20th century as a phrase popularized by Arnold Schwarzenegger, attributed to German saying “Kinder, höret mir mal zu” meaning “children, listen to me”, which translates to “no pain no gain”.
Usage Notes
Used to encourage oneself or others to persevere through challenging situations or to highlight the necessity of hard work for achieving success.
Cultural References
Appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and motivational speeches, often used to emphasize the importance of determination and perseverance.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Blood sweat and tears
- It can’t rain all the time
Related Words or Phrases
Hard work
Perseverance
Resilience
Collocations
With hard work, no pain no gain is a common combination.
Frequency of Use
Commonly used in motivational speeches, fitness and wellness contexts, and everyday conversations to emphasize the importance of effort and dedication.
Common Misspellings
No pane no gain
Not pain not gain