- English translation
You cannot get anything out of someone who has nothing.
- Literal wording
What can the wind take from a tile?
- Meaning and lesson
This proverb points to the uselessness of trying to recover money from a person with no means to meet a claim. It presents the attempt as one from which no payment can realistically be expected.
It encourages a sober assessment of what can actually be obtained before spending further effort on a demand. Where the other party lacks the ability to provide anything, persistence is likely to lead only to frustration.
- When it is used
Used when someone is considering pursuing payment, compensation, or another financial return from a person who is plainly unable to provide it. It advises against investing further effort where recovery is unrealistic.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: You cannot get anything out of someone who has nothing.