English 
español 
française 
italiano 
deutsche 
日本語 
polski 
česky 
svenska 
Türkçe 
Nederlands 
Explaining “You cannot make bricks without straw”
Anwar Kareem 28/10/2024, 06:40English.me team member
What does it mean?
The phrase means that it is impossible to achieve something or perform a task without the necessary materials or resources.
Tone
Practical
Origin
The phrase originates from the Biblical account in the book of Exodus, which describes the Israelites being forced to make bricks without straw by their Egyptian taskmasters.
Examples of usage
- The manager insisted on results, but without the necessary budget, it was like trying to make bricks without straw.
- Expecting the team to deliver the project on time without proper tools is like making bricks without straw.
- You can't expect high-quality work from the employees if you don't provide them with adequate resources—it's like making bricks without straw.
Recommended posts in 
Phrases
One man's trash is another man's treasure
The phrase means that something that one person considers worthless ... Learn more →
One hand washes the other
The phrase "One hand washes the other" means that people ... Learn more →
There's nowt so queer as folk
The phrase "There's nowt so queer as folk" is a ... Learn more →
Never say die
"Never say die" is an idiomatic expression used to encourage ... Learn more →