All things grow with time - except grief.
All things grow with time - except grief.
Meaning in plain English
The saying makes everything grow with time except grief. It offers an image of sorrow becoming less rather than increasing.
Example
A friend remains available without telling a grieving person how quickly their sorrow should diminish.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The broad contrast expresses reassurance, not a measured course of bereavement. A responsible reading acknowledges that grief may change unevenly or remain intense. The supplied little-by-little claim should not set an emotional deadline or blame someone whose experience differs.
When to use it
Use it as qualified reassurance with grief’s course left open.
Keep in mind
No universal decrease in grief or timetable for emotional change is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 591; PDF page 85
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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