Failure is the tuition you pay for success.
Failure is the tuition you pay for success.
Meaning in plain English
Calling failure tuition compares an unsuccessful attempt with the cost of learning. It suggests that a setback may offer useful experience.
Example
A learner considers what an unsuccessful project revealed before deciding whether another attempt is worthwhile.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The educational payment image treats experience as something acquired at a cost. It does not establish that failure is required for success or that increasing failures improves results. The supplied advice to double the failure rate is stronger than the source wording and is not a warranted instruction.
When to use it
Use it to discuss possible learning from a cost already incurred.
Keep in mind
No literal fee, required failure rate or guaranteed return from a setback is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 781; PDF page 111
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
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