You cannot get blood out of a stone.

Meaning: Demanding resources from those who lack them is futile; necessity cannot extract what does not exist.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Wisdom

• Tis a blot on his escutcheon. — A single shameful act permanently mars a person's reputation and family honor, like a sta…
• He who blusters without reason has most reason to bluster. — Empty boasting reveals deep insecurity; the loudest voices often mask the weakest positio…
• I have a bone in my arm. — Claiming disability to avoid work reveals one's character through convenient excuses.
• The nearer the bone the sweeter the meat. — Proximity to difficulty yields greatest reward; best results come from reaching hardest d…
• They that are bound must obey. — Captive people have no choice but to submit to their captor's will and commands.
• A bow long bent at last waxeth weak. — Continuous strain without rest eventually exhausts even the strongest resources or people.

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…