元もとも子こもない

expression, i-adjective

losing everything; coming to nothing; having lost both the principal and the interest

Idiomatic expression meaning that if you lose the original asset (元) and the gain (子), you end up with nothing. Often used when a risky or excessive action backfires, leaving you worse off than before.

• そんなに無む理りをしたら元もとも子こもないよ。

  If you push yourself that hard, you'll end up losing everything.

• 節せつ約やくしすぎて健けん康こうを壊こわしたら元もとも子こもない。

  It would all be for nothing if you ruin your health by saving too much.