Meaning

Nothing succeeds like success

The meaning of the phrase

A proverb, expressing the idea that success breeds further success.

Truth is stranger than fiction
Truth is stranger than fiction

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Nothing succeeds like success’?

This view was first put into print by Sir Arthur Helps, in Realmah, 1868:

“Nothing succeeds like success.” [Rien ne réussit comme le succès.]

We would be remiss in our duties if we didn’t include the corny old joke:

“Nothing succeeds like a parrot with no teeth.”

Historical trend

“Nothing succeeds like success” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1820–2020).

18201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • Nothing succeeds like success