A rolling stone gathers no moss Meaning in English

expression

US

uh ROH-ling STOHN GATH-erz NOH MAWS

UK

uh ROH-ling STOHN GATH-uhz NOH MOS

Definition

This saying means that people who keep moving, changing, or trying new things do not settle down or gather responsibilities or problems that come with staying in one place.

Usage & Nuances

This is a proverb used to comment on people who avoid settling down or commit to change. It can be positive (active lifestyle) or negative (lack of roots or stability). Often used as advice or observation, not literal. Seldom used in casual speech today, but still understood.

• Spanish: piedra que rueda no cría musgo
• Portuguese (BR): pedra que rola não cria limo
• Portuguese (PT): pedra que rola não cria musgo
• Chinese (Simplified): 滚石不生苔
• Chinese (Traditional): 滾石不生苔
• Hindi: जो चलता रहता है, उस पर काई नहीं जमती
• Arabic: الحجر المتدحرج لا يتجمع عليه الطحلب
• Bengali: যে ঘুরে বেড়ায়, তার গায়ে শ্যাওলা জমে না - (কারোর মধ্যে স্থায়ীত্ব বা বন্ধন আসে না যদি সে স্থায়ী না হয়)
• Russian: катящийся камень не обрастает мхом
• Japanese: 転がる石には苔が生えぬ
• Vietnamese: hòn đá lăn thì không mọc rêu
• Korean: 구르는 돌에는 이끼가 끼지 않는다
• Turkish: Yuvarlanan taş yosun tutmaz
• Urdu: گھومتا رہتا پتھر کائی نہیں جماتا
• Indonesian: batu yang bergulir tak akan berlumut

Example Sentences

He moves to a new city every year; a rolling stone gathers no moss.

basic

My grandmother used to say, 'a rolling stone gathers no moss.'

basic

Some people believe that a rolling stone gathers no moss, so they travel a lot.

basic

When it comes to careers, my dad always reminded me that a rolling stone gathers no moss.

natural

You can't expect to build strong relationships if you keep moving—a rolling stone gathers no moss.

natural

She laughed and said, 'a rolling stone gathers no moss,' after I told her about my new hobby.

natural