get blood out of a stone
To do something difficult, frustrating, or pointless.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Getting him to talk is like getting blood out of a stone.”
“I tried to get a straight answer from the manager, but it was like trying to get blood out of a stone.”
“Extracting any useful information from the reluctant witness proved to be like trying to get blood out of a stone, leaving the investigators frustrated and empty-handed.”
- 01
as it gets
As it is possible to be.
- 02
been there, done that, got the T-shirt
Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.
- 03
blood and guts
Gore; gruesome images.
- 04
blood in the water
In a competitive situation, the exhibition of apparent weakness or vulnerability by one party, especially when this leads to a feeling of vulnerability or greater pressure to perform on the part of the weak party, or enhanced expectation of victory by the others.
- 05
blood is thicker than water
Family relations and loyalties are stronger than relationships with people who are not family members.
- 06
blood, sweat and tears
A person's determination and hard work.
- 07
can't get enough
Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.
- 08
carved in stone
Unchangeable.
Last updated August 10, 2026