no pain, no gain
You have to work hard to achieve results
Literalmente: No physical or mental pain results in no gain or profit.
Use this to motivate someone (or yourself) when hard work feels uncomfortable but necessary for growth.
Em 15 segundos
- Hard work and struggle are necessary for success.
- Commonly used in sports, fitness, and personal goals.
- A motivational way to encourage someone through difficulty.
Significado
This phrase means that you cannot achieve success without suffering or working very hard. If you want to see progress, you have to be willing to endure some discomfort.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Encouraging a gym partner
Come on, two more reps! No pain, no gain!
Keep going! You have to work hard to see results!
Discussing a difficult work project
These late nights are tough, but no pain, no gain for our promotion.
This is hard, but it will help us get promoted.
Texting a friend about studying
My brain is fried from this exam prep. No pain, no gain, I guess! 📚
I'm tired of studying, but it's worth it for the grade.
Contexto cultural
The phrase exploded in popularity during the 1980s fitness boom in the United States. It captures the 'Protestant work ethic' which suggests that labor and struggle are morally good. While it started in the gym, it is now used for everything from business startups to learning a new instrument.
The Rhyme Rule
The phrase is catchy because it rhymes. Always keep the 'pain' and 'gain' together to sound natural.
Don't be a 'Toxically Positive' friend
Avoid using this if someone is actually injured or depressed. It can sound dismissive of real problems.
Em 15 segundos
- Hard work and struggle are necessary for success.
- Commonly used in sports, fitness, and personal goals.
- A motivational way to encourage someone through difficulty.
What It Means
Think about the last time you tried something difficult. Maybe you started running or learned a new coding language. Your muscles hurt or your brain felt tired, right? No pain, no gain is the idea that this discomfort is necessary. It suggests that if things are too easy, you aren't actually growing. You are basically saying that struggle is the price of success. It is a very motivational way to look at hard work.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a short response or a full sentence. It works great when someone is complaining about being tired from work. You can say it to encourage yourself during a tough gym session. It is often used as a punchy slogan. You don't need to add many words around it. Just say the four words and people will understand your point immediately. It’s like a verbal high-five for someone who is struggling.
When To Use It
Use it when you see someone working toward a goal. It is perfect for sports, fitness, and dieting contexts. You can use it in the office when a project is very demanding. Use it when you are studying late at night for an exam. It’s great for texting a friend who is venting about their busy schedule. It adds a sense of 'we are in this together' to a tough situation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if someone is experiencing real, tragic suffering. If a friend loses their job or a pet, do not say no pain, no gain. That would be very insensitive! Also, avoid using it for minor things that don't require effort. Don't say it if you are just waiting in a short line for coffee. It is meant for long-term goals and physical or mental exertion. Using it for serious medical pain is also a bad idea.
Cultural Background
This phrase became a global phenomenon in the 1980s. This was thanks to the aerobics craze and movie stars like Jane Fonda. She used it in her workout videos to keep people moving. However, the idea is much older. It dates back to ancient poets and religious texts. Americans especially love this phrase because it fits the 'work hard, play hard' culture. It represents the belief that anyone can succeed if they just try hard enough.
Common Variations
You might hear people say no guts, no glory for brave situations. Some people joke and say no pain, no champagne after a long week. In business, you might hear no risk, no reward. If you want to be funny, you can say all pain, no gain when something is hard but fails. These variations keep the same rhythm but change the focus. Stick to the original for the most impact.
Notas de uso
The phrase is mostly informal to neutral. It is very common in spoken English but rarely used in academic writing unless discussing sports or motivation.
The Rhyme Rule
The phrase is catchy because it rhymes. Always keep the 'pain' and 'gain' together to sound natural.
Don't be a 'Toxically Positive' friend
Avoid using this if someone is actually injured or depressed. It can sound dismissive of real problems.
The 80s Connection
If you use this with older Americans, they might picture neon leg warmers and old workout tapes!
Exemplos
6Come on, two more reps! No pain, no gain!
Keep going! You have to work hard to see results!
Classic use during physical exercise.
These late nights are tough, but no pain, no gain for our promotion.
This is hard, but it will help us get promoted.
Applies the physical concept to professional growth.
My brain is fried from this exam prep. No pain, no gain, I guess! 📚
I'm tired of studying, but it's worth it for the grade.
Uses a lighthearted tone to deal with stress.
The practice was grueling today, but remember: no pain, no gain.
Today was hard, but it makes us better players.
Used as a formal motivational closing statement.
My feet are killing me in these shoes, but no pain, no gain!
These shoes hurt, but I look good!
A funny way to justify fashion choices.
I know grammar is frustrating, but no pain, no gain!
Learning grammar is hard, but it's how you improve.
Encouragement for mental effort.
Teste-se
Complete the motivational phrase.
I'm exhausted from training, but as they say, no ___, no gain.
The standard idiom always uses the word 'pain' to rhyme with 'gain'.
Choose the best context for this phrase.
Which situation fits 'no pain, no gain' best?
The phrase is used for situations where effort leads to a reward.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality levels of 'No pain, no gain'
Slangy or joking with friends.
No pain, no gain, bro!
Common everyday use.
It's a tough diet, but no pain, no gain.
Motivational speeches.
In this industry, no pain, no gain.
Where to use 'No pain, no gain'
Weightlifting
Pushing for one last lift.
Business
Surviving a 60-hour work week.
Education
Memorizing difficult vocabulary.
Fashion
Wearing uncomfortable but stylish clothes.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIn this context, gain means progress, profit, or improvement. It refers to the positive result you get after working hard.
Yes, it is common in business to motivate a team. You might say, The transition to the new software is hard, but no pain, no gain.
Yes, it is a very common cliché. While everyone understands it, using it too often might make you sound a bit like a fitness commercial.
You could say, Success requires sacrifice or Hard work is the prerequisite for achievement. These sound more serious.
Usually, it refers to effort or physical discomfort. Using it for deep emotional grief is considered rude.
The phrase is a fixed idiom. If you change the words, like no effort, no result, it loses its cultural power.
A common opposite idea is easy come, easy go, which suggests things gained without effort are easily lost.
It is used in all English-speaking countries. It is universally understood from London to New York.
Absolutely! People often say it when doing something mildly annoying, like cleaning the house, to be funny.
While Jane Fonda made it famous in the 80s, the poet Robert Herrick wrote 'No pain, no gains' back in 1648!
Frases relacionadas
No guts, no glory
You must take risks to achieve great success.
Blood, sweat, and tears
Extremely hard work and effort.
No risk, no reward
You won't get a benefit if you don't take a chance.
Through thick and thin
Continuing despite difficult circumstances.
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