Refrán - Libro cerrado no saca letrado

Question

There's a 'refrán' in this Spanish textbook "Libro cerrado no saca letrado" ... does it mean, a closed book doesn't make one learned ... or doesn't make one a lawyer?

Answer 1

This refran try to say us that if you don´t make an effort to get your goals, you will never achieve them:

If you don´t open the book (study) you can´t be a lawyer.

Answer 2

You won't be able to reach your dreams if you don't put any effort into it.

Amén. - Jubilado, Nov 21, 2014

=] - Rey_Mysterio, Nov 21, 2014

Answer 3

Literally, it would be: a closed book doesn't make make one a lawyer.

Now you should try to find an equivalent saying in English.

By the way I had never heard that saying.

Answer 4

Here is a link from Word Magic Software. You will have to paste in into your browser.

"No closed book takes counsel"

A book that is shut is but a block

[Word Magic libro cerrado no saca letrado][1]

[1]: http://www.wordmagicsoft.com/dictionary/es-en/libro cerrado no saca letrado.php