IdiomDaily Life
Irish
IrishImíonn an tuirse is fanann an tairbhe
Meaning: Hard work's reward outlasts the toil.
Literally: The tiredness goes but the benefit remains
Example: “Bhí an staidéar crua, ach imíonn an tuirse is fanann an tairbhe.” — The studying was hard, but no pain, no gain.
English equivalent: No pain, no gain
Origin: "The tiredness goes and the benefit stays": the fatigue of hard work passes, but what it achieves remains. The Irish proverb is a consolation to anyone toiling. No first use is documented.
Equivalents in other languages
Swahili: Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame Literally: He who wants what's under the bed must stoop
More Irish idioms
- Is glas iad na cnoic i bhfad uainn The grass is always greener elsewhere.
- Tá sé ar muin na muice He's doing wonderfully; living in luck.
- Ní neart go cur le chéile Strength comes from working together.
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- Tell that tale to a deaf man. Wasting effort communicating with someone unwilling or unable to listen yields nothing.
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