ProverbWisdomEnglish originc. 1385

A wonder lasts but nine days.

Meaning: Public fascination with novelty inevitably fades as the extraordinary becomes familiar and forgotten.

Origin: Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde (c. 1385) already says that wonder lasts only nine nights in town, and John Heywood's 1546 collection has "This wonder lasted nine days." A "nine days' wonder" is any sensation that is soon forgotten.

Explore another collection: False Friends

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

  • Bekommen Actually means 'to receive' or 'to get'. To become is werden.
  • Déception Actually means 'disappointment'. For deception (a trick), say tromperie.
  • Disgusto Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco.

Browse all false friends →

Keep exploring

Explore all proverbs →