Searched high and low and found nothing - then got it with no effort at all.
Tips
history
Popularized by the Ming story collection 《警世通言》. Nearly always quoted with its second half 得来全不费工夫 - the contrast between fruitless search and effortless discovery is the whole punchline.
usage
Functions as the setup of a two-part saying. Use the full couplet 踏破铁鞋无觅处，得来全不费工夫 when you find something easily right after giving up on finding it.
