“You cannot make bricks without straw”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase means that it is impossible to achieve something or perform a task without the necessary materials or resources.
Tone Practical
Where it comes from
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
- 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.
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