Nothing comes out of the sack but what was in it

Definition & Bedeutung von "nothing comes out of the sack but what was in it"

nothing comes out of the sack but what was in it

used to imply that the outcome or result of a situation is determined by the factors that were present from the beginning

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "nothing comes out of the sack but what was in it" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "nothing comes out of the sack but what was in it" is uncertain, but it reflects traditional wisdom found in many cultures. It conveys the idea that effort, preparation, and integrity shape results, warning against expecting results more than what was contributed or invested. The proverb serves as a reminder that actions and inputs directly influence what can be gained in return.

Example

If you want to excel in your career, you must first invest time and effort in developing your skills and knowledge, because nothing comes out of the sack but what was in it.