Where there's muck, there's brass: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Where there's muck, there's brass” mean?

"Where there's muck, there's brass" means that there is often money to be made in dirty or unpleasant jobs.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He may not enjoy his job, but he knows that where there's muck, there's brass.

Example

The garbage collectors in the city understand that where there's muck, there's brass.

Example

She decided to start a cleaning business because she believed that where there's muck, there's brass

Is “Where there's muck, there's brass” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Where there's muck, there's brass” 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 “Where there's muck, there's brass” effectively in context?

You can use "Where there's muck, there's brass" to convey the idea that there is often money to be made in dirty or unpleasant jobs. It emphasizes the potential financial rewards that can come from working in less desirable industries or occupations. For example, if someone is considering a job as a garbage collector, you might say, 'It may not be glamorous, but where there's muck, there's brass.'

• 1. Career Choices

  She decided to start a cleaning business because she believed that where there's muck, there's brass.

• 2. Job Satisfaction

  He may not enjoy his job, but he knows that where there's muck, there's brass.

• 3. Perception of Dirty Jobs

  The garbage collectors in the city understand that where there's muck, there's brass.

Similar phrases to “Where there's muck, there's brass”:

No pain, no gain

You have to work hard and endure difficulties to achieve success.

Example

She knew that no pain, no gain, so she pushed herself to study harder.

Money doesn't grow on trees

Money is not easily obtained and requires effort and hard work.

Example

Her parents always reminded her that money doesn't grow on trees, so she learned the value of saving.

Hard work pays off

If you work hard, you will eventually be rewarded or successful.

Example

He believed that hard work pays off, so he dedicated himself to his studies.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Where there's muck, there's brass” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Where there's muck, there's brass" is unknown.

Is “Where there's muck, there's brass” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Where there's muck, there's brass" is not very common in everyday conversation, especially among beginner ESL students. It is more commonly used in certain regions or industries where dirty or unpleasant jobs are prevalent.

What tone does “Where there's muck, there's brass” have?

"Where there's muck, there's brass" conveys a tone of practicality and realism. It acknowledges the financial opportunities that can exist in less desirable occupations, even if they involve working with dirt or unpleasant tasks.

Can “Where there's muck, there's brass” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Where there's muck, there's brass" is generally informal and colloquial. It is more likely to be used in casual conversations rather than formal settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He decided to take the job as a janitor because he believed that where there's muck, there's brass.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Where there's muck, there's brass!' to imply the potential financial rewards of a dirty job.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• dirty work can pay well
• there's money in dirt
• profit in unpleasant jobs

Antonyms

• clean work pays better
• money comes from clean jobs
• no reward in dirty work