No song, no supper.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “No song, no supper.” mean?

"No song, no supper" means that in order to receive something, one must give something in return. There is no free lunch or reward without effort or contribution.

What context can I use the in?

Example

If you want to be successful, you have to put in the work. No song, no supper.

Example

You can't expect to get good grades if you don't study. No song, no supper.

Example

If you want to be a great athlete, you have to train hard. *No song, no supper.

Is “No song, no supper.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“No song, no supper.” 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 “No song, no supper.” effectively in context?

You can use "No song, no supper" to emphasize the importance of putting in effort or making a contribution in order to receive something. It highlights the idea that rewards or success do not come without hard work or dedication. For example, if someone is complaining about not achieving their goals, you might say, 'Well, remember, "no song, no supper". If you want to succeed, you have to put in the effort.'

• 1. Education

  If you want to get good grades, you have to study. No song, no supper.

• 2. Career

  To advance in your career, you have to work hard and show dedication. No song, no supper.

• 3. Personal Development

  If you want to improve your skills, you have to practice regularly. No song, no supper.

Similar phrases to “No song, no supper.”:

You reap what you sow

You will experience the consequences of your actions or efforts.

Example

If you don't put in the work, you won't see results. You reap what you sow.

No pain, no gain

You have to endure hardships or challenges in order to achieve success or progress.

Example

If you want to build muscle, you have to push yourself during workouts. No pain, no gain.

Hard work pays off

Effort and dedication lead to positive outcomes or rewards.

Example

If you study hard, you will do well on the exam. Hard work pays off.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “No song, no supper.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "No song, no supper" is unknown.

Is “No song, no supper.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "No song, no supper" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is an older proverb that may not be familiar to everyone, especially younger generations.

What tone does “No song, no supper.” have?

"No song, no supper" conveys a tone of practicality and realism. It reminds people that rewards or success are not handed out freely but require effort and contribution.

Can “No song, no supper.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "No song, no supper" is more commonly used in informal settings. It may be less appropriate in formal or professional contexts.

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, 'If you want to succeed, remember, "no song, no supper".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "no song, no supper"!' to imply the need for effort or contribution.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• no effort, no reward
• no work, no result
• no input, no output
• no contribution, no benefit
• no dedication, no success

Antonyms

• easy come, easy go
• free lunch
• something for nothing
• rewards without effort