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Wise sayings
No pain, no gain.
English proverb
Source foundPerseverance1900s

In plain words

You have to work hard, and maybe feel some hurt, to get something good.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is
72% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up
Documented English proverb: Robert Herrick's Hesperides (1648) carries poem #752 titled 'No Pains, No Gains' ('If little labour, little are our gains'); Franklin's 1734 Poor Richard has 'There are no gains, without pains.' The clipped modern form spread in the 20th century.
Occasion
1982 · popularised as a catchphrase in Jane Fonda's aerobics videos
Sources checked
  • en.wikipedia.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026Traces Herrick 1650, Franklin 1758, and the 1980s Fonda popularization of the exact modern phrase
  • gutenberg.orgChecked using claude-fable-5, 21 August 2026Hesperides primary text on Project Gutenberg — poem 752, title 'NO PAINS, NO GAINS', couplet confirmed by direct fetch

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More on perseverance

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.ConfuciusNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.Lao TzuSlow and steady wins the race.AesopPatience is the key to relief.Arabic proverbDrops of water hollow out a stone.OvidFew things are impossible to diligence and skill.Samuel Johnson

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The early bird catches the worm.English proverbWhere there's a will, there's a way.English proverbPractice makes perfect.English proverbRome wasn't built in a day.English proverbIf at first you don't succeed, try, try again.William Edward HicksonLook before you leap.English proverb

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