Proverb 'Where There's Muck, There's Brass'

Where There's Muck, There's Brass: The Meaning Behind the British Proverb

The British are known for their quirky idioms and sayings, and one of them is "Where there's muck, there's brass". But what does this proverb mean, and where did it come from? In this post, we'll explore the origin, meaning, and examples of this British saying.

Origin of the Proverb

The phrase "Where there's muck, there's brass" is believed to have originated in the industrial North of England during the 19th century. At that time, many towns and cities were heavily industrialised, and the manufacturing and production of goods created a lot of waste and pollution. The phrase was a reminder that even though working with dirt and grime may not be pleasant, it could still lead to financial gain.

Meaning of the Proverb

The proverb "Where there's muck, there's brass" means that if you are willing to do a dirty or unpleasant job, you can make a lot of money. The phrase suggests that just because a job is considered "lowly" or undesirable, it doesn't mean that it can't be profitable. In other words, it encourages people not to judge a job by its appearance or social status, but to consider the financial rewards that may come with it.

Examples of Usage

The proverb "Where there's muck, there's brass" can be used in a variety of situations to illustrate the importance of hard work, perseverance, and being open to different opportunities. Here are a few examples:

"I know it's not the most glamorous job, but cleaning sewers pays well. Where there's muck, there's brass, after all."

"My dad always told me that if I wanted to be successful, I needed to be willing to work hard and get my hands dirty. Where there's muck, there's brass."

"I used to be ashamed of my job as a refuse collector, but then I realised that it pays well and provides for my family. Where there's muck, there's brass, as they say."

If you're interested in learning more about British idioms and phrases, check out our YouTube channel "English Phrase Collection". We have a wide range of videos covering a lot of common expressions. You might even find some more proverbs like "Where there's muck, there's brass". So, be sure to subscribe and join our community of English language learners.

I hope you found this blog post informative and interesting, and that it helped you better understand the meaning and usage of the British proverb "Where there's muck, there's brass". Don't forget to check out our video on the "English Phrase Collection" YouTube channel for more fun and informative content!