a rolling stone gathers no moss
Meaning: Someone who keeps moving never settles or accumulates anything; sometimes also, keeping active prevents stagnation.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “He's lived in ten countries and owns a backpack; a rolling stone gathers no moss.”
Category: Nature
Origin: A Latin proverb attributed to Publilius Syrus (1st century BC). It is recorded in English in John Heywood's proverb collection (1546).
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Pierre qui roule n'amasse pas mousse — literally: A rolling stone gathers no moss
More idioms — Nature
- little strokes fell great oaks — Small, steady efforts achieve great results.
- protect one's turf — To defend one's area of control or responsibility against others.
- chase rainbows — To pursue something unrealistic.
- left high and dry — Stranded or abandoned without help.
- gone with the wind — Gone forever, vanished without a trace.
- the light at the end of the tunnel — A sign that a long, difficult period is ending.
More English idioms
- have one foot in the grave — To be close to death.
- cast the first stone — To be the first to condemn someone.
- steal a march on — To gain an advantage by acting before someone else.
- the bee's knees — Something or someone excellent.
- throw someone under the bus — To betray or blame someone to save oneself.
- take stock — To review a situation carefully before deciding what to do.