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Region: US | Usage example: Training was grueling, but he remembered no pain, no gain.

No pain, no gain

Meaning

Effort and discomfort are necessary for progress.

Usage

Used especially in fitness or tough tasks.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

19th-century athletic slogan.

Popularized in motivational writing and gym culture.

Related Idioms

Beat a dead horse

Waste effort on something already decided.

Elbow grease

Physical effort needed to make something clean or polished.

Pull yourself up by your bootstraps

Rise through effort and self-reliance.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.