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Explaining "You cannot get blood out of a stone"
Reviewed and edited by 
Anwar Kareem 29/11/2024, 08:18
Anwar Kareem 29/11/2024, 08:18English.me team member
What does it mean?
The phrase "You cannot get blood out of a stone" means that it is impossible to obtain something from someone or something that does not have it to give. It often refers to futile efforts to get money, information, or emotion from an unyielding or incapable source.
Tone
The tone is typically one of resignation or frustration, highlighting the futility of the attempt.
Origin
The phrase has origins in Italian proverbs that were translated into English. The concept dates back to the 17th century, with Giovanni Torriano's writings like "Piazza Universale di Proverbi Italiani" from 1662. The English version appears in 1788 in "Winter Evenings" by Vicesimus Knox.
Examples of usage
- No matter how much you pressure him, you cannot get blood out of a stone; he simply doesn't have the money to pay you back.
- Trying to convince her to change her mind is like trying to get blood out of a stone.
Phrases
