What does “Blood out of a stone” mean?
"Getting blood out of a stone" means attempting to extract something from someone who is unwilling or unable to provide it.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I tried to get him to open up about his feelings, but it was like getting blood out of a stone.
Example
She's so stubborn, it's like trying to get blood out of a stone to get her to change her mind.
Example
I asked him for help, but he was completely uncooperative - it was like getting blood out of a stone
Is “Blood out of a stone” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Blood out of a stone” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Blood out of a stone” effectively in context?
You can use "Blood out of a stone" to describe a situation where you are trying to get something from someone who is unwilling or unable to give it. It emphasizes the difficulty and frustration of the task. For example, if you're trying to get information from a secretive person, you might say, 'Trying to get him to open up about his feelings was like getting blood out of a stone.'
- 1Communication
I tried to get him to open up about his feelings, but it was like getting blood out of a stone.
- 2Persuasion
She's so stubborn, it's like trying to get blood out of a stone to get her to change her mind.
- 3Cooperation
I asked him for help, but he was completely uncooperative - it was like getting blood out of a stone.
Similar phrases to “Blood out of a stone”:
Herding cats
Attempting to control or organize a group of people or things that are difficult to manage
Example
Trying to get everyone to agree on a plan is like herding cats.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Blood out of a stone” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Blood out of a stone" is unknown.
Is “Blood out of a stone” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Blood out of a stone" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation. It is often used to express frustration or emphasize the difficulty of getting something from someone who is unwilling or unable to provide it.
What tone does “Blood out of a stone” have?
"Blood out of a stone" conveys a tone of frustration and exasperation. It is used to describe a challenging situation where it feels nearly impossible to obtain what you need or want.
Can “Blood out of a stone” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Blood out of a stone" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to convey a sense of difficulty or frustration.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Blood out of a stone" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Trying to get information from him was like trying to get blood out of a stone.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's like getting "blood out of a stone"' to express frustration.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- like pulling teeth
- impossible task
- futile effort
- mission impossible
- unattainable goal
