Type any word!

You cannot get blood from a turnip Meaning in English

expression

yoo KAN-not get BLUHD frum uh TUR-nip
yoo kuh-NOT get BLUD from uh TUR-nip

Definition

This expression means you cannot get something from someone or something that does not have it, especially money or effort. It is often used when someone is being asked for something they cannot provide.

Usage & Nuances

Often used informally or in business when someone insists on getting money or resources from someone who truly can't provide. Synonyms include 'you can't squeeze water from a stone.' Usually, 'turnip' or 'stone' are used in English and other languages may have different idioms.

Spanish: no se puede sacar sangre de una piedraPortuguese (BR): não se tira leite de pedraPortuguese (PT): não se tira leite de pedraChinese (Simplified): 榨不出油水Chinese (Traditional): 榨不出油水Hindi: जिस बर्तन में पानी न हो, उसमें से पानी नहीं निकाल सकतेArabic: لا يمكن أن تحصل على دم من حجرBengali: নিরাশায় কিছু পাওয়া যায় না - পাথর চিপে জল বের হয় নাRussian: нельзя выжать воду из камня - нельзя требовать невозможногоJapanese: ない袖は振れない - 無いものは出せないVietnamese: vắt chanh không ra nước - không thể lấy được cái không cóKorean: 없는 돈은 줄 수 없다 - 없는 것은 줄 수 없다Turkish: taştan su çıkmaz - olmayanı alamazsınUrdu: بے وسيلة شخص سے کچھ نہیں لیا جا سکتا - پتھر سے خون نہیں نکلتاIndonesian: memeras air dari batu - tidak bisa meminta yang tidak ada

Example Sentences

No matter how much you try, you cannot get blood from a turnip.

basic

If he has no money left, you cannot get blood from a turnip.

basic

You cannot get blood from a turnip when someone has nothing to give.

basic

They keep asking me for more, but honestly, you cannot get blood from a turnip.

natural

He did his best, but you cannot get blood from a turnip—the fault wasn't his.

natural

She begged her parents for more allowance, but you cannot get blood from a turnip if there’s no extra money.

natural