You Can’t Squeeze Blood from a Turnip
You can’t squeeze blood from a turnip means something is extremely hard to do.
You may also hear:
- It is like getting blood from a turnip.
- You can’t draw blood from a turnip.
- It is like getting blood from a stone.
All usually deal with efforts to get money or information from someone.
The person:
- Has what we need but will not share or help
- Or has little or no money or information
Often a person has a bill but no way to pay it.
A few businesspeople understand. Others do not.
During my social work years, a doctor cared for a couple and their children. One day we discussed their many needs. The doctor said, “You can’t squeeze blood from a turnip.” He knew the family was poor as a church mouse. They would probably never be able to pay his bill.
However, the doctor continued to treat the family. He also gave them the same respect he gave everyone else. The family paid him $1 every month. He admired their effort to pay what they could.
You can’t squeeze blood from a turnip. You can treat everyone with respect.
Count your blessings. Then share those blessings with others.
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God” (Proverbs 14:31 NIV).
Thanks to Rhonda Wade Royster for the suggestion.
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