blood from a stone

English

Noun

blood from a stone (uncountable)

  1. Something that cannot be obtained, regardless of how much force or persuasion is used.
    Borrowing money from him is like getting blood from a stone!

Usage notes
  • Used with such verbs as get, draw, squeeze, wring and want.
  • Often found in the proverbial form: You can't get blood from a stone.

See also
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