He who does not risk does not nibble — without taking risks, you gain nothing. To enjoy even a small reward you must be willing to accept the possibility of failure. Timidity and excessive caution leave you with nothing.
The proverb has a wonderfully earthy image at its core: rosica means to gnaw or nibble, the action of a mouse at a piece of cheese. The parallel is vivid — the mouse that hesitates too long at the trap never gets its morsel. The rhyme between risica and rosica made it memorable and gave it a slightly playful, ironic quality that distinguished it from more solemn warnings. It was used extensively in the world of Italian commerce and trade, where Genoese, Venetian, and Florentine merchants built fortunes on calculated risk-taking — the financing of dangerous sea voyages, investment in new goods, extension of credit to uncertain partners. The proverb endorsed courageous commercial action without endorsing recklessness. In the 20th century it became associated with the gambling culture of the North Italian industrial working class — the Saturday card game, the football pool, the lottery — and acquired a slightly more fatalistic flavour. It is today used to encourage hesitant friends to act, apply for a job, ask someone out, or try something new.
Documented in Italian proverb collections from the 16th century. The rhyme risica/rosica is characteristic of Tuscan and Venetian popular verse. Associated in particular with Genoese merchant culture.
Encouraging a friend to apply for a job they think is out of reach
Manda la candidatura anche se non hai tutti i requisiti. Chi non risica non rosica.
Send the application even if you do not have all the requirements. He who does not risk does not nibble.
Persuading a colleague to pitch a bold idea
Proponi l'idea al direttore. Sì, potrebbe dire no. Ma chi non risica non rosica.
Pitch the idea to the director. Yes, he might say no. But he who does not risk does not nibble.
A young entrepreneur justifying a bold business move
Ho investito tutti i risparmi nel progetto. Chi non risica non rosica — o vai o vai a casa.
I invested all my savings in the project. He who does not risk does not nibble — either you go for it or you go home.
Teasing someone too timid to approach a person they like
Le piaci, te lo vedo. Vai a parlarle! Chi non risica non rosica!
She likes you, I can see it. Go talk to her! He who does not risk does not nibble!