Lilliputin -6204

Don't tell me I can't get water from a stone ... "
Moses

Lilliputins in English What the heck are they?
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The statement "you can't get water from a stone" is a figurative expression or idiom that means you cannot achieve a difficult or impossible outcome, particularly when trying to get something from a person or situation that lacks the resources or inclination to provide it. It's a literal impossibility, as stones do not hold water, and figuratively, it means you're trying to get something from someone unwilling or unable to give it.
Literal vs. Figurative Meaning
Literal: Physically, you cannot extract water from a solid stone because stones do not contain it.
Figurative: As an idiom, it expresses the idea that:
An outcome is impossible given the current circumstances.
You can't get something from someone or someplace that doesn't have it. For example, trying to get money from a person who has none is like trying to get blood from a stone.
It can be used for futile efforts, where a lot of force or persuasion will yield no results.
Related Idioms
To get blood from a stone: A very similar idiom, also meaning to get something, especially money, from someone who has nothing to give.
To hold water: This phrase is the opposite and means something is sound, valid, or reasonable.
In essence, the phrase highlights futility and the limitations of human effort when facing an impossible task.
Meaning of the phrase "squeeze water from a stone"
Dec 7, 2011 — The idiom 'water from a stone" is correct, meaning a result cannot be produced from a given set of circumstances. Simil...

English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Is the expression "to get blood out of a stone" common? - Reddit
May 10, 2023 — Usually like trying to get money from someone who doesn't have any, not just that they refuse to give it to you.

Reddit

Do you have a version of the phrase "getting blood from a stone"?
Dec 19, 2023 — Do you have a version of the phrase "getting blood from a stone"? It means something that cannot be obtained, regardle...

Reddit

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Exodus 17 NIV - Water From the Rock - The whole

Bible Gateway
https://www.biblegateway.com › passage
The Israelites lacked water, quarreled with Moses, and God told Moses to strike a rock at Horeb, which produced water. The place was named Massah and Meribah.
People also ask
What is the saying about water and rock?
What does the Bible say about water from the rock?
AI Overview
In the Bible, Moses miraculously brought water from a rock twice for the thirsty Israelites in the wilderness, first in Exodus 17:1–7 and again in Numbers 20:1–14. At Rephidim, God instructed Moses to strike the rock at Horeb, and water gushed forth. However, in the second incident at Kadesh, Moses struck the rock twice in defiance of God's command to simply speak to it, resulting in water but also causing a severe reprimand that prevented Moses from entering the Promised Land.
Miracles of Water from the Rock
Exodus 17:1–7: During a time of thirst, the Israelites complained to Moses, who cried out to God for help. God instructed Moses to stand on the rock and strike it with his staff, which he did, and water came out for the people.
Numbers 20:1–13: When the Israelites again lacked water, Moses and Aaron were instructed to speak to a different rock to make water flow. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice in anger, saying, "Shall we bring water out of this rock for you?".
Moses's Disobedience and Consequence
Disobedience: In the second instance, Moses failed to obey God's command to "speak to the rock" (Numbers 20:8).
Punishment: As a result of his disobedience, God told Moses that he and Aaron would not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Symbolic Meaning
The water from the rock serves as a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness to His people, even in their challenging circumstances.
The apostle Paul later referred to the rock as a type of Christ, noting that just as the rock was struck to provide water, Christ was "struck by God" to provide spiritual life and salvation for many.