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Wer nicht arbeitet, der rostet

/veːɐ̯ nɪçt ˈʔaʁbaɪ̯tət deːɐ̯ ˈʁɔstət/
phrase★Intermediate— if you don't work, you rust◆proverb
informal

A proverb meaning that inactivity leads to decline or loss of abilities; one must stay active to keep skills sharp.

Er hat den ganzen Tag nur ferngesehen – ich glaube, er glaubt an das Sprichwort: Wer nicht arbeitet, der rostet.

He spent the whole day just watching TV – I think he believes in the proverb: If you don't work, you rust.

💡

Often used to motivate someone to keep practicing or working.

Collocations

nicht arbeitento not workrostetrusts
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch

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