He deserves not the sweet that will not taste the sour.

Meaning: Pleasure earned through hardship is more valuable and meaningful than unearned comfort.

Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.

More proverbs about Challenge

From our false friends

  • Bra — Actually means 'good'. Det är bra = That's good.
  • Glass — Actually means 'ice cream'. En glass = an ice cream. For a glass (vessel), say ett glas.
  • Semester — Actually means 'holiday' or 'vacation'. A school semester is en termin.

Browse all false friends →

← Back to Proverbs