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“You cannot get blood out of a stone”: meaning and examples

You cannot get blood out of a stone

What it means

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.

Examples

  • 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.

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