phrase
General Slang
you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
yoo KANT make a SILK PURSE out of a SOWZ EER · phrase · informal
You can't make something fine from poor material.
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Definitions
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A proverb meaning quality output requires quality input.
“No amount of paint will fix that wreck—can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.”
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you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear In A Sentence
No amount of paint will fix that wreck—can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
Origin & Usage
Old English proverb, well worn in Southern speech.
Variants
silk purse out of a sow's ear
People Also Ask
What does "you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear" mean?
It means you can't produce something fine or refined from poor-quality material.
When do people say it?
It's used to point out that no amount of effort will turn something inherently shabby into something excellent.
Where is the proverb from?
It's an old English proverb that became well worn in Southern American speech.
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