What does “Blood, sweat and tears” mean?
"Blood, sweat and tears" means putting in a lot of hard work and effort.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He put in blood, sweat and tears to finish the project on time.
Example
She gave her blood, sweat and tears to become a professional athlete.
Example
The team's victory was the result of their blood, sweat and tears
Is “Blood, sweat and tears” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Blood, sweat and tears” 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, sweat and tears” effectively in context?
You can use "Blood, sweat and tears" to emphasize the amount of hard work and effort someone has put into achieving a goal. It conveys the idea of dedicating oneself fully to a task or endeavor. For example, if a friend has been training for months for a marathon, you might say, 'She gave her blood, sweat, and tears to become a professional athlete.'
- 1Academic
He studied day and night, putting in blood, sweat, and tears to pass his exams.
- 2Sports
The team's victory was the result of their blood, sweat, and tears on the field.
- 3Artistic
She spent countless hours practicing her craft, pouring her blood, sweat, and tears into her paintings.
Similar phrases to “Blood, sweat and tears”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Blood, sweat and tears” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Blood, sweat and tears" can be traced back to ancient times. It is believed to have originated from the Bible, specifically from the book of Genesis, where it is mentioned as a consequence of Adam and Eve's disobedience to God. The phrase gained popularity in the 20th century and is often used to describe the intense effort and hard work required to achieve something.
Is “Blood, sweat and tears” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Blood, sweat and tears" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and effort someone has put into achieving a goal.
What tone does “Blood, sweat and tears” have?
"Blood, sweat and tears" conveys a tone of admiration and respect. It is used to recognize and commend the dedication and perseverance required to accomplish something challenging.
Can “Blood, sweat and tears” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Blood, sweat and tears" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that highlights the importance of hard work and effort. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, interviews, or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He put in blood, sweat, and tears to finish the project on time.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It took blood, sweat, and tears!' to imply the amount of effort involved.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- effort
- perseverance
- hard work
- dedication
- grit
Antonyms
- lazy
- lackadaisical
- minimal effort
- slacking off
- taking it easy