Nothing ventured, nothing gained

1. If you don't risk anything, you won't gain anything.

Idioms and Phrases

One must take risks to achieve something, as in They quit their jobs, packed up, and moved to Wisconsin, saying “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Although this adage has appeared in slightly different form since the late 1300s, it was first recorded in this form only in 1624. For another version, see no pain, no gain .