Are you looking for a way to motivate someone into action? You could use the proverbial saying “nothing ventured, nothing gained” to inspire them to take action.
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression “nothing ventured, nothing gained” means that you must take risks in life if you want to succeed. Nothing ventured, nothing gained means that you commit to doing something, regardless of the outcome. You don’t know if it will turn out in your favor or be a disaster.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained means you’re prepared to take a risk, even though there is a possibility that the outcome could adversely affect your life. It’s a motivational statement to help people embrace the uncertainty of the unknown.
Example Usage
“I told John he needs to spread his wings and get out into the world if he wants to make something of his life. You know what they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
“The team needed some inspiration to rev them up at the beginning of the second half. I told them to throw caution to the wind and play like their lives depended on it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Let’s hit this trail and see where it takes us. There’s nothing like exploring the unknown.”
“I know it seems challenging right now, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Sometimes you have to grit your teeth and push through it.”
Origin
The expression 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' originates from John Heywood's glossary "A Dialogue conteinyng the nomber in effect of all the Prouerbes in the Englishe tongue," published in 1546, where the saying appears as follows.
“Noght veter noght haue spare to speke spare to spede.”
(Nothing ventured, nothing had - if you don't speak, you don't advance.)
Heywoods version was the first time the saying appeared in print. However, language experts believe it is a variant of the 14th-century French saying, "Qui onques rien n'enprist riens n'achieva."
- [He who never undertook anything never achieved anything.]
Phrases Similar to Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained
- Take a leap of faith.
- Give it a chance.
- Why not?
Phrases Opposite to Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained
- Why take a chance.
- Don’t risk it.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Ways People May Say Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained Incorrectly
The phrase doesn’t always refer to financial gain. The gain could come from spiritual or character growth. It’s a way of telling someone they need to take a risk if they want to succeed. Using the saying to describe a monetary gain isn’t always the correct use of the phrase.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained
You can use the phrase ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’ when you’re telling someone to take a leap of faith. It’s a way of telling someone to take action, regardless of the possible outcome. The phrase suits social and professional use. You could use it at work to motivate someone or yourself to make a cold call to a new client.
You could use it at home while teaching your kids to swim. ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’ suits use when trying to tell someone to take a chance and throw caution to the wind. You could use the phrase to motivate yourself or others when uncertain about how you’ll perform in a given situation.