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Meaning of the phrase “squeeze water from a stone”
Announcing the arrival of Valued Associate #679: Cesar Manara
Planned maintenance scheduled April 23, 2019 at 23:30 UTC (7:30 pm US/Eastern)The phrase “to pour cloud water”What is the meaning of the phrase “chance would be a fine thing”?The meaning of “from that of”What does Pope Francis’s remark, “You can always add more water to the beans,” mean?Meaning of “ever so” phraseBreaking the set - meaningWhat's the origin of “water under the bridge”?meaning of the phrase “sitting on a tin-tack”Meaning of the phrase “What in carnation?”What's the meaning of Jon Skeet's phrase?
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What does the phrase "(to) squeeze water from a stone" mean?
Have you ever squeezed water from a stone?
meaning idioms
add a comment |
What does the phrase "(to) squeeze water from a stone" mean?
Have you ever squeezed water from a stone?
meaning idioms
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:07
add a comment |
What does the phrase "(to) squeeze water from a stone" mean?
Have you ever squeezed water from a stone?
meaning idioms
What does the phrase "(to) squeeze water from a stone" mean?
Have you ever squeezed water from a stone?
meaning idioms
meaning idioms
edited Jun 12 '13 at 11:22
RegDwigнt♦
83.6k31282382
83.6k31282382
asked Dec 7 '11 at 21:08
k0styak0stya
145226
145226
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:07
add a comment |
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:07
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:07
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:07
add a comment |
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
The normal expression is like getting blood from a stone, used to convey the difficulty of extracting something from someone or something that is reluctant to yield it.
1
Often used in conversations like, "You owe me $100!" "Hey man, it's like getting blood from a stone." Meaning, I don't have any money, squeeze all you like, you won't get anything.
– Jay
Dec 7 '11 at 21:16
I'd say also, conveys a wasted effort, but I'm not a native speaker, correct me if I'm wrong.
– stivlo
Dec 8 '11 at 4:44
1
It is wasted effort, but the expression is not used to meant that. The emphais is on the difficulty of the operation.
– Barrie England
Dec 8 '11 at 7:43
add a comment |
I agree with Barrie (+1) that the most usual idiom is blood from a stone. Water from a stone is likely a malformation of the standard idiom. There may also be regional differences. For example, I've also heard "blood from a turnip".
add a comment |
There is also a fairytale about a giant slayer who challenges a giant in a feat of strength — to squeeze water from a stone. The giant picks up a boulder and squeezes with all his might but cannot produce water. The 'giant slayer' (I believe he was just an unfortunate shoemaker who was elected to confront the giant) produces a yellow stone and squeezes it with visible effort, and at last a few drops of water drop to the floor. The giant concedes and leaves the town alone, the 'slayer' returning to a heroes welcome.
The yellow stone is, in fact, the cheese he packed for lunch.
This? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:13
add a comment |
Exodus chapter 17, verse 6 reads- "I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
The idea of getting water from a stone is an unreasonable idea. I think the meaning behind this verse is that it is such a tremendous feat, and yet God could accomplish it with a single strike.
This may not be exactly the meaning you were looking for, but nobody else mentioned it, and I do believe it is supporting evidence of the phrases true meaning.
add a comment |
An idiom similar to many others like "struggling to make (both) ends meet" but with a sense of exasperation, or resignation.
Depending on the author's creativity and the context, the expression generally means:
- managing to extract whatever little that is practically possible from a situation/ from something.
- make the most of a situation
- realization of the futility of trying to benefit from a situation or from something
Lisa Romano:
Squeezing Water From a Stone: How to Get More From Existing Capacity and Add More to Your Bottom Line
Brown Advisory Briefings:
Brown Advisory Briefings: Squeezing Water from a Stone
See also:
http://jasongrant.squarespace.com/jason-grant-blog/2010/12/21/you-cannot-squeeze-water-from-a-stone.html
http://www.vahistoryexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Squeezing-Water.pdf
http://briandeutsch.blogspot.in/2007/11/trying-to-squeeze-water-from-stone.html
I like the examples. Can you cite some reliable sources that support your actual claim about what the idiom means: respected reference works, for example.
– MetaEd♦
Jun 5 '13 at 15:31
As of posting the answer, no definitions were found. Usage examples were convincing enough to hypothesize.
– Kris
Jun 6 '13 at 8:36
add a comment |
The idiom 'water from a stone" is correct, meaning a result cannot be produced from a given set of circumstances. Similar, but separate from the idiom, "blood from a turnip."
New contributor
Joseph Blough is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
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6 Answers
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active
oldest
votes
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
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The normal expression is like getting blood from a stone, used to convey the difficulty of extracting something from someone or something that is reluctant to yield it.
1
Often used in conversations like, "You owe me $100!" "Hey man, it's like getting blood from a stone." Meaning, I don't have any money, squeeze all you like, you won't get anything.
– Jay
Dec 7 '11 at 21:16
I'd say also, conveys a wasted effort, but I'm not a native speaker, correct me if I'm wrong.
– stivlo
Dec 8 '11 at 4:44
1
It is wasted effort, but the expression is not used to meant that. The emphais is on the difficulty of the operation.
– Barrie England
Dec 8 '11 at 7:43
add a comment |
The normal expression is like getting blood from a stone, used to convey the difficulty of extracting something from someone or something that is reluctant to yield it.
1
Often used in conversations like, "You owe me $100!" "Hey man, it's like getting blood from a stone." Meaning, I don't have any money, squeeze all you like, you won't get anything.
– Jay
Dec 7 '11 at 21:16
I'd say also, conveys a wasted effort, but I'm not a native speaker, correct me if I'm wrong.
– stivlo
Dec 8 '11 at 4:44
1
It is wasted effort, but the expression is not used to meant that. The emphais is on the difficulty of the operation.
– Barrie England
Dec 8 '11 at 7:43
add a comment |
The normal expression is like getting blood from a stone, used to convey the difficulty of extracting something from someone or something that is reluctant to yield it.
The normal expression is like getting blood from a stone, used to convey the difficulty of extracting something from someone or something that is reluctant to yield it.
answered Dec 7 '11 at 21:12
Barrie EnglandBarrie England
129k10205355
129k10205355
1
Often used in conversations like, "You owe me $100!" "Hey man, it's like getting blood from a stone." Meaning, I don't have any money, squeeze all you like, you won't get anything.
– Jay
Dec 7 '11 at 21:16
I'd say also, conveys a wasted effort, but I'm not a native speaker, correct me if I'm wrong.
– stivlo
Dec 8 '11 at 4:44
1
It is wasted effort, but the expression is not used to meant that. The emphais is on the difficulty of the operation.
– Barrie England
Dec 8 '11 at 7:43
add a comment |
1
Often used in conversations like, "You owe me $100!" "Hey man, it's like getting blood from a stone." Meaning, I don't have any money, squeeze all you like, you won't get anything.
– Jay
Dec 7 '11 at 21:16
I'd say also, conveys a wasted effort, but I'm not a native speaker, correct me if I'm wrong.
– stivlo
Dec 8 '11 at 4:44
1
It is wasted effort, but the expression is not used to meant that. The emphais is on the difficulty of the operation.
– Barrie England
Dec 8 '11 at 7:43
1
1
Often used in conversations like, "You owe me $100!" "Hey man, it's like getting blood from a stone." Meaning, I don't have any money, squeeze all you like, you won't get anything.
– Jay
Dec 7 '11 at 21:16
Often used in conversations like, "You owe me $100!" "Hey man, it's like getting blood from a stone." Meaning, I don't have any money, squeeze all you like, you won't get anything.
– Jay
Dec 7 '11 at 21:16
I'd say also, conveys a wasted effort, but I'm not a native speaker, correct me if I'm wrong.
– stivlo
Dec 8 '11 at 4:44
I'd say also, conveys a wasted effort, but I'm not a native speaker, correct me if I'm wrong.
– stivlo
Dec 8 '11 at 4:44
1
1
It is wasted effort, but the expression is not used to meant that. The emphais is on the difficulty of the operation.
– Barrie England
Dec 8 '11 at 7:43
It is wasted effort, but the expression is not used to meant that. The emphais is on the difficulty of the operation.
– Barrie England
Dec 8 '11 at 7:43
add a comment |
I agree with Barrie (+1) that the most usual idiom is blood from a stone. Water from a stone is likely a malformation of the standard idiom. There may also be regional differences. For example, I've also heard "blood from a turnip".
add a comment |
I agree with Barrie (+1) that the most usual idiom is blood from a stone. Water from a stone is likely a malformation of the standard idiom. There may also be regional differences. For example, I've also heard "blood from a turnip".
add a comment |
I agree with Barrie (+1) that the most usual idiom is blood from a stone. Water from a stone is likely a malformation of the standard idiom. There may also be regional differences. For example, I've also heard "blood from a turnip".
I agree with Barrie (+1) that the most usual idiom is blood from a stone. Water from a stone is likely a malformation of the standard idiom. There may also be regional differences. For example, I've also heard "blood from a turnip".
answered Dec 7 '11 at 21:28
Joel BrownJoel Brown
5,25411925
5,25411925
add a comment |
add a comment |
There is also a fairytale about a giant slayer who challenges a giant in a feat of strength — to squeeze water from a stone. The giant picks up a boulder and squeezes with all his might but cannot produce water. The 'giant slayer' (I believe he was just an unfortunate shoemaker who was elected to confront the giant) produces a yellow stone and squeezes it with visible effort, and at last a few drops of water drop to the floor. The giant concedes and leaves the town alone, the 'slayer' returning to a heroes welcome.
The yellow stone is, in fact, the cheese he packed for lunch.
This? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:13
add a comment |
There is also a fairytale about a giant slayer who challenges a giant in a feat of strength — to squeeze water from a stone. The giant picks up a boulder and squeezes with all his might but cannot produce water. The 'giant slayer' (I believe he was just an unfortunate shoemaker who was elected to confront the giant) produces a yellow stone and squeezes it with visible effort, and at last a few drops of water drop to the floor. The giant concedes and leaves the town alone, the 'slayer' returning to a heroes welcome.
The yellow stone is, in fact, the cheese he packed for lunch.
This? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:13
add a comment |
There is also a fairytale about a giant slayer who challenges a giant in a feat of strength — to squeeze water from a stone. The giant picks up a boulder and squeezes with all his might but cannot produce water. The 'giant slayer' (I believe he was just an unfortunate shoemaker who was elected to confront the giant) produces a yellow stone and squeezes it with visible effort, and at last a few drops of water drop to the floor. The giant concedes and leaves the town alone, the 'slayer' returning to a heroes welcome.
The yellow stone is, in fact, the cheese he packed for lunch.
There is also a fairytale about a giant slayer who challenges a giant in a feat of strength — to squeeze water from a stone. The giant picks up a boulder and squeezes with all his might but cannot produce water. The 'giant slayer' (I believe he was just an unfortunate shoemaker who was elected to confront the giant) produces a yellow stone and squeezes it with visible effort, and at last a few drops of water drop to the floor. The giant concedes and leaves the town alone, the 'slayer' returning to a heroes welcome.
The yellow stone is, in fact, the cheese he packed for lunch.
edited Jun 3 '13 at 9:59
RegDwigнt♦
83.6k31282382
83.6k31282382
answered Jun 3 '13 at 9:10
T.BaughT.Baugh
211
211
This? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:13
add a comment |
This? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:13
This? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:13
This? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:13
add a comment |
Exodus chapter 17, verse 6 reads- "I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
The idea of getting water from a stone is an unreasonable idea. I think the meaning behind this verse is that it is such a tremendous feat, and yet God could accomplish it with a single strike.
This may not be exactly the meaning you were looking for, but nobody else mentioned it, and I do believe it is supporting evidence of the phrases true meaning.
add a comment |
Exodus chapter 17, verse 6 reads- "I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
The idea of getting water from a stone is an unreasonable idea. I think the meaning behind this verse is that it is such a tremendous feat, and yet God could accomplish it with a single strike.
This may not be exactly the meaning you were looking for, but nobody else mentioned it, and I do believe it is supporting evidence of the phrases true meaning.
add a comment |
Exodus chapter 17, verse 6 reads- "I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
The idea of getting water from a stone is an unreasonable idea. I think the meaning behind this verse is that it is such a tremendous feat, and yet God could accomplish it with a single strike.
This may not be exactly the meaning you were looking for, but nobody else mentioned it, and I do believe it is supporting evidence of the phrases true meaning.
Exodus chapter 17, verse 6 reads- "I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
The idea of getting water from a stone is an unreasonable idea. I think the meaning behind this verse is that it is such a tremendous feat, and yet God could accomplish it with a single strike.
This may not be exactly the meaning you were looking for, but nobody else mentioned it, and I do believe it is supporting evidence of the phrases true meaning.
answered Nov 26 '15 at 5:24
Weston O'ConnorWeston O'Connor
111
111
add a comment |
add a comment |
An idiom similar to many others like "struggling to make (both) ends meet" but with a sense of exasperation, or resignation.
Depending on the author's creativity and the context, the expression generally means:
- managing to extract whatever little that is practically possible from a situation/ from something.
- make the most of a situation
- realization of the futility of trying to benefit from a situation or from something
Lisa Romano:
Squeezing Water From a Stone: How to Get More From Existing Capacity and Add More to Your Bottom Line
Brown Advisory Briefings:
Brown Advisory Briefings: Squeezing Water from a Stone
See also:
http://jasongrant.squarespace.com/jason-grant-blog/2010/12/21/you-cannot-squeeze-water-from-a-stone.html
http://www.vahistoryexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Squeezing-Water.pdf
http://briandeutsch.blogspot.in/2007/11/trying-to-squeeze-water-from-stone.html
I like the examples. Can you cite some reliable sources that support your actual claim about what the idiom means: respected reference works, for example.
– MetaEd♦
Jun 5 '13 at 15:31
As of posting the answer, no definitions were found. Usage examples were convincing enough to hypothesize.
– Kris
Jun 6 '13 at 8:36
add a comment |
An idiom similar to many others like "struggling to make (both) ends meet" but with a sense of exasperation, or resignation.
Depending on the author's creativity and the context, the expression generally means:
- managing to extract whatever little that is practically possible from a situation/ from something.
- make the most of a situation
- realization of the futility of trying to benefit from a situation or from something
Lisa Romano:
Squeezing Water From a Stone: How to Get More From Existing Capacity and Add More to Your Bottom Line
Brown Advisory Briefings:
Brown Advisory Briefings: Squeezing Water from a Stone
See also:
http://jasongrant.squarespace.com/jason-grant-blog/2010/12/21/you-cannot-squeeze-water-from-a-stone.html
http://www.vahistoryexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Squeezing-Water.pdf
http://briandeutsch.blogspot.in/2007/11/trying-to-squeeze-water-from-stone.html
I like the examples. Can you cite some reliable sources that support your actual claim about what the idiom means: respected reference works, for example.
– MetaEd♦
Jun 5 '13 at 15:31
As of posting the answer, no definitions were found. Usage examples were convincing enough to hypothesize.
– Kris
Jun 6 '13 at 8:36
add a comment |
An idiom similar to many others like "struggling to make (both) ends meet" but with a sense of exasperation, or resignation.
Depending on the author's creativity and the context, the expression generally means:
- managing to extract whatever little that is practically possible from a situation/ from something.
- make the most of a situation
- realization of the futility of trying to benefit from a situation or from something
Lisa Romano:
Squeezing Water From a Stone: How to Get More From Existing Capacity and Add More to Your Bottom Line
Brown Advisory Briefings:
Brown Advisory Briefings: Squeezing Water from a Stone
See also:
http://jasongrant.squarespace.com/jason-grant-blog/2010/12/21/you-cannot-squeeze-water-from-a-stone.html
http://www.vahistoryexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Squeezing-Water.pdf
http://briandeutsch.blogspot.in/2007/11/trying-to-squeeze-water-from-stone.html
An idiom similar to many others like "struggling to make (both) ends meet" but with a sense of exasperation, or resignation.
Depending on the author's creativity and the context, the expression generally means:
- managing to extract whatever little that is practically possible from a situation/ from something.
- make the most of a situation
- realization of the futility of trying to benefit from a situation or from something
Lisa Romano:
Squeezing Water From a Stone: How to Get More From Existing Capacity and Add More to Your Bottom Line
Brown Advisory Briefings:
Brown Advisory Briefings: Squeezing Water from a Stone
See also:
http://jasongrant.squarespace.com/jason-grant-blog/2010/12/21/you-cannot-squeeze-water-from-a-stone.html
http://www.vahistoryexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Squeezing-Water.pdf
http://briandeutsch.blogspot.in/2007/11/trying-to-squeeze-water-from-stone.html
answered Jun 3 '13 at 10:26
KrisKris
33k641124
33k641124
I like the examples. Can you cite some reliable sources that support your actual claim about what the idiom means: respected reference works, for example.
– MetaEd♦
Jun 5 '13 at 15:31
As of posting the answer, no definitions were found. Usage examples were convincing enough to hypothesize.
– Kris
Jun 6 '13 at 8:36
add a comment |
I like the examples. Can you cite some reliable sources that support your actual claim about what the idiom means: respected reference works, for example.
– MetaEd♦
Jun 5 '13 at 15:31
As of posting the answer, no definitions were found. Usage examples were convincing enough to hypothesize.
– Kris
Jun 6 '13 at 8:36
I like the examples. Can you cite some reliable sources that support your actual claim about what the idiom means: respected reference works, for example.
– MetaEd♦
Jun 5 '13 at 15:31
I like the examples. Can you cite some reliable sources that support your actual claim about what the idiom means: respected reference works, for example.
– MetaEd♦
Jun 5 '13 at 15:31
As of posting the answer, no definitions were found. Usage examples were convincing enough to hypothesize.
– Kris
Jun 6 '13 at 8:36
As of posting the answer, no definitions were found. Usage examples were convincing enough to hypothesize.
– Kris
Jun 6 '13 at 8:36
add a comment |
The idiom 'water from a stone" is correct, meaning a result cannot be produced from a given set of circumstances. Similar, but separate from the idiom, "blood from a turnip."
New contributor
Joseph Blough is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
The idiom 'water from a stone" is correct, meaning a result cannot be produced from a given set of circumstances. Similar, but separate from the idiom, "blood from a turnip."
New contributor
Joseph Blough is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
The idiom 'water from a stone" is correct, meaning a result cannot be produced from a given set of circumstances. Similar, but separate from the idiom, "blood from a turnip."
New contributor
Joseph Blough is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
The idiom 'water from a stone" is correct, meaning a result cannot be produced from a given set of circumstances. Similar, but separate from the idiom, "blood from a turnip."
New contributor
Joseph Blough is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Joseph Blough is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 3 hours ago
Joseph BloughJoseph Blough
1
1
New contributor
Joseph Blough is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Joseph Blough is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Joseph Blough is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valiant_Little_Tailor
– Kris
Jun 3 '13 at 10:07