“Where there is muck there is brass”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase means that where there is dirt or unpleasant work, there is also an opportunity to make money. It highlights that profit can be generated from difficult or undesirable tasks.
Tone The tone of the phrase is pragmatic and somewhat colloquial, suggesting a no-nonsense view that recognizes opportunities for making money in less glamorous areas.
Where it comes from
The phrase originates from Yorkshire, England, and has been used in British English for many years. The word muck refers to dirt or manure, and brass is a colloquial term for money. It reflects the industrial heritage of Northern England, where hard work and seemingly unpleasant jobs could be financially rewarding.
Examples
- The old saying ‘where there’s muck there’s brass’ certainly holds true for waste management companies, which can be quite profitable.
- He didn’t mind getting dirty with the repair work because he knew that ‘where there’s muck, there’s brass.’
- Growing up in a mining town, she learned early on that ‘where there’s muck, there’s brass,’ and found success in the industry.
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