idioms using “gain”

One person’s loss is another’s gain

When one person loses, another gains

“Masayuki-san was fired and Kaoru-san was given his job; one person’s loss is another’s gain.”

No pain, no gain

Improvement comes from hard work, even if it hurts

“No one said training for a marathon would be fun or easy. Just remember, no pain, no gain.”

Ill-gotten gains

Money or goods acquired illegally or unfairly

“He became rich from his ill-gotten gains but lived an unhappy life.”

Gain ground on

To catch up with someone else

“Sakura-san has been in first place in the sales contest but Matsui-san is gaining ground on her.”

Nothing ventured, nothing gained

One must try new things (or take risks) to succeed

“There is no guarantee that the new plan will work, but we have to try; nothing ventured, nothing gained.”