Desires are nourished by delays.
Desires are nourished by delays.
Meaning in plain English
Waiting for something can make the desire for it more intense. Notice how anticipation affects your judgement rather than assuming that a growing wish proves the thing is becoming more worthwhile.
Example
A collector waiting for an advertised item pauses to check whether it still fits the collection instead of treating weeks of anticipation as a reason to buy at any cost.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Nourished gives desire the image of something fed while fulfilment is postponed. The person may imagine the hoped-for result repeatedly, making it occupy more attention than it did at first. The proverb describes one possible effect of waiting, not a law about every wish. A delay may also weaken interest or reveal that a plan is unsuitable. The useful distinction is between wanting something more strongly and learning that it has greater value. If anticipation is driving the decision, returning to the actual purpose and available information can provide a steadier basis for choosing.
When to use it
Use it when anticipation is making a wish stronger without adding evidence of its value.
Keep in mind
Waiting affects people differently; stronger desire is neither proof of value nor proof that the wish is unreasonable.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-03. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 409 · Desires
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗