No pain no gain means that success cannot be achieved without effort and struggle. In this article, IDP will help you explore how to use this motivational idiom correctly and effectively, especially in the IELTS test.
1. What Is the Meaning of No Pain No Gain?
No pain no gain is a popular English idiom that combines the phrases no pain (no hardship or struggle) and no gain (no success or achievement). The idiom conveys the idea that effort, sacrifice, and perseverance are essential to achieving success. It emphasizes that success does not come easily and usually requires facing challenges.
In Vietnamese, equivalent expressions include “Failure is the mother of success” or “Only the strong can stand against the wind.”
Example:
If you want to get into your dream university, remember that no pain no gain.
2. How to Use the Idiom No Pain No Gain
The idiom no pain no gain is used in various situations to stress the importance of hard work, persistence, and dedication.
To emphasize effort
Used to highlight that continuous effort and patience are required to achieve results.
Example:
Learning a new language is challenging, but no pain no gain. Be patient and work hard every day.
To express determination
It is often used when someone faces difficulties but chooses to keep going.
Example:
I know waking up early is tough, but I will not give up. No pain no gain.
To encourage others
It can be used to motivate someone going through a hard time.
Example:
I know this project will be complicated, but no pain no gain. Your hard work will be rewarded.
To express sarcasm
It may also be used sarcastically when someone avoids effort but expects results.
Example:
You want to run a marathon without training? Well, no pain no gain!
3. Synonyms of No Pain No Gain
Here are idioms and phrases with similar meanings:
Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
No effort no result | You must try to succeed | If you want to play the guitar well, practice every day. No effort no result. |
Nothing ventured nothing gained | Without risk, there is no reward | Sara applied for the scholarship because she believed that nothing ventured, nothing gained. |
Fortune favors the brave | Luck comes to those who dare | I chose to start my fashion brand because fortune favors the brave. |
No guts no glory | Without courage, there is no success | Kent joined the Ironman race because he believed no guts no glory. |
Suffering is needed to succeed | Enduring hardship is necessary to succeed | John trained in extreme conditions because he knew suffering is needed to succeed. |
4. Difference Between No Pain No Gain and Work Hard
No Pain No Gain | Work Hard |
|---|---|
Emphasizes sacrifice and overcoming challenges to succeed | Focuses on being diligent without implying struggle |
Example: Lisa endured leg pain for ballet success | Example: Mia improves her writing skills by working hard |
5. How to Use No Pain No Gain in the IELTS Test
No pain no gain is a useful idiom to include in your IELTS Speaking responses. It adds a natural tone to your speech and helps showcase your vocabulary range.
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Question: Do you think learning a new language is difficult?
Answer: Absolutely. It takes a lot of effort and dedication. But I always remind myself that no pain no gain.
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Question: Describe a time when you had to work hard to achieve a goal
Opening: I am not the kind of person who relies on luck. I believe that no pain no gain, so I worked extremely hard during my final year of high school to reach my goal.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Question: Do you think it is easier to succeed today than in the past?
Answer: In some ways, yes. Technology and education access make success more attainable. Still, no pain no gain. Effort is essential.
6. Practice: No Pain No Gain Idiom
Task: Identify which situations are NOT appropriate for using "no pain no gain" and explain why.
Thomath wanted to become a professional athlete but gave up after a few practices.
Emma practiced the violin for hours every day despite difficulties.
She completed the project on time without facing any challenges.
I failed several speech contests but kept practicing.
Learning Japanese is difficult, but I study every day because I believe in perseverance.
Answers:
Not suitable – He gave up instead of persevering.
Suitable – Shows persistence and belief in effort.
Not suitable – She succeeded without hardship, which goes against the idiom's meaning.
Suitable – Reflects resilience.
Suitable – Expresses dedication and belief in effort.
Learn to Use No Pain No Gain in the Right Context with IDP
No pain no gain is a motivational English idiom that inspires perseverance and dedication. When used correctly in your IELTS Speaking test, it can help you express your ideas more naturally and impress examiners.
You can explore IDP's free IELTS preparation materials to learn more idioms and expressions that are useful for the exam. Remember that using idiomatic expressions appropriately is a key marking criterion in IELTS Speaking.
If you're ready to take the IELTS test, IDP offers two options: IELTS Academic Speaking and IELTS General Speaking. Choose the right test date that fits your schedule and register for the IELTS test with IDP today!