An anvil would be busy if it sighed at every blow.

What it means

The anvil's job is to take hits without complaint. If you groan at every hardship, you will do nothing but groan. Take the blows and keep your shape.

The source

"An anvil would be busy if it sighed at every blow." This German proverb is recorded in Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Amboss” 7. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.

"Ein Amboss hätte viel zu thun, wenn er bei jedem Schlage seufzen wollte."

Original German, Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Amboss” 7. Text read at zeno.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "An anvil would be busy if it sighed at every blow." mean?

The anvil's job is to take hits without complaint. If you groan at every hardship, you will do nothing but groan. Take the blows and keep your shape.

Who said "An anvil would be busy if it sighed at every blow."?

German proverb. Source: Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Amboss” 7.

What is the original German?

Ein Amboss hätte viel zu thun, wenn er bei jedem Schlage seufzen wollte. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.

Is "An anvil would be busy if it sighed at every blow." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"An anvil would be busy if it sighed at every blow." (German proverb, Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Amboss” 7, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/an-anvil-would-be-busy-if-it-sighed