A worn enamel basin holding coiled rope and a trowel on a brick-red surface.

Original artwork, not a still

General George S. Patton, Jr.

A pint of sweat saves a gallon of blood.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Effort and preparation now, however tiring, cost far less than the bloodshed that comes from being unready. The speaker argues hard work spares greater suffering later.

Context reviewed

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