Resolve triumphs over talent when talent rests.

Meaning: If you are determined to achieve your goals, you can achieve them, even if you don't have natural talent.

Choice of Words: Resolve is the quality of being determined to do something. Triumphs over means to be victorious over. Rests means to stop working or moving. Together, it means that hard work can overcome natural ability when natural ability doesn't work hard.

Alternative Expressions

Determination beats talent when talent is asleep.

Meaning: This means the same thing as the first sentence, but it uses different words to make the point.

Choice of Words: Determination is another word for resolve, and it means having a strong desire to achieve something. Beats is a verb that means to defeat or overcome. Talent is the same as before. Asleep means not active or being used. When you put them together, the sentence means that determination can overcome talent when talent is not being used.

Hard work beats natural ability when natural ability is taking a break.

Meaning: This means the same thing as the first two sentences, but it uses even different words to make the point.

Choice of Words: Hard work is another way to say determination. Beats is the same as before. Natural ability is the same as talent. Taking a break means to stop or rest. When you put them together, the sentence means that hard work can overcome natural ability when natural ability is not being used.

Related Expressions