Literally & Idiomatically: One does not (should not) rely on miracles

This popular phrase dates back to the Talmud (Pessachim 64b) "Lo samchinin anisah" (Some people pronounce the aramaic way as well, "Ein Somchin Al HaNes"). It can be used in almost any situation where you want to underline the fact that you have to work hard at achieving something. We all have kids who leave studying for the last minute (and later) before a test. When approaching one of my teens using the above phrase he replied, "Yes but it is also written 'Nes Gadol Haya Po.'" ("A great miracle occurred here"). True, but somehow I don't think it was referring to a grammar test.

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