What does “no pain, no gain” mean in American English?
Spiciest chip challenge and choosing the wrong one
A2 English listening practice · American English · Picked for people who know a little
No pain, no gain is one of the most famous American English phrases. It means “to get something good, you have to work hard or suffer a little.” The phrase is older than most Americans realize, but it became famous in the 1980s through Jane Fonda’s workout videos. Today people use it in gyms, sports, school, and everyday life: any time something is tough but worth it.
In this clip, a young woman plays a game where she has to pick one chip from a tray, and one is super spicy. Before she picks, she says “no pain, no gain” to give herself courage. American gym culture, sports talk, and motivational social media use the phrase every day.
How common are the words?
How common are the words in this A2 English listening practice video?
How common in written English
How common in spoken English
Source: wordfreq 3.1.1 (general) · SUBTLEX-US 2012 (spoken). These numbers are close, not perfect.
- ▸In American gym and fitness videos on YouTube and TikTok
- ▸In American sports interviews after a tough game
- ▸In American workout brand ads (Nike, Under Armour)
- ▸In American self-help podcasts and books
- ▸In American kids' TV shows about trying new things