Not even water flows under a stone that just lies there.

What it means

Nothing comes to the one who does nothing. Even water, which goes everywhere, will not find its way under a stone that never moves. If you want things to change, move first.

The source

"Not even water flows under a stone that just lies there." This Russian proverb is recorded in Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Care — Experience" («Забота — Опыт»). Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

"Под лежачий камень (Под лежачую колоду) и вода не течет."

Original Russian, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Care — Experience" («Забота — Опыт»). Text read at ru.wikisource.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 "Not even water flows under a stone that just lies there." mean?

Nothing comes to the one who does nothing. Even water, which goes everywhere, will not find its way under a stone that never moves. If you want things to change, move first.

Who said "Not even water flows under a stone that just lies there."?

Russian proverb. Source: Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Care — Experience" («Забота — Опыт»).

What is the original Russian?

Под лежачий камень (Под лежачую колоду) и вода не течет. Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Not even water flows under a stone that just lies there." on a shirt?

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

"Not even water flows under a stone that just lies there." (Russian proverb, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Care — Experience" («Забота — Опыт»), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/not-even-water-flows-under-a-stone-that