Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Nausi lucratur ausus cui non famulatur.
Meaning and origin
Meaning: If you don't take risks or try new things, you will not achieve anything or make any progress.
Origin: This proverb dates back to ancient times and has been used in various forms by different cultures. It was first recorded in the early 14th century in the poem "Piers Plowman" by William Langland. The idea behind the proverb is that in order to achieve success or gain something valuable, one must be willing to take risks and step outside of their comfort zone.
Proverbs on a similar topic
- In for a penny, in for a pound.
- Sink or swim.
- What is, must be.
- Business is business.
- The die is cast.
- Every man is the architect of his own fortune.
- Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's.
- Man proposes, God disposes.
- Once you pledge, don't hedge.
- The horse thinks one thing and he who rides him another.
Related proverbs
Similar proverbs in the same language
English
- No risk, no fun.
- Nothing risked, nothing gained.
- Nothing venture, nothing have gain.
Similar proverbs in another language
Latin
- Nausi lucratur ausus cui non famulatur. Nausicaus wins a venture that is not served.
French
- Qui ne risque rien n'a rien. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
German
- Wer nicht wagt, der nicht gewinnt. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- Wer nicht wagt, gewinnt nicht. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- Wer nicht wagt, hat nichts zu hoffen. Those who do not dare have nothing to hope for.
- Wer nicht kämpft, siegt nicht. If you don't fight, you don't win.
Czech
- Risk je zisk. Risk is profit.
- Kdo nesází, nevyhraje. He who doesn't bet, doesn't win.