ProverbHuman Nature
Biblical origin
Biblical originHope deferred maketh the heart sick.
Meaning: Prolonged unfulfilled expectations erode emotional resilience and breed despair rather than sustenance.
Where it's from: The Bible, Proverbs 13:12
Origin: From the Book of Proverbs (13:12), in the King James Version: "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." Waiting too long for a hope to come true wears down the spirit.
Explore another collection: Idioms
Colorful expressions from dozens of languages, with their word-for-word translations.
- lägga vantarna på To get hold of something; to seize or obtain.
- vända kappan efter vinden To change one's allegiance or principles opportunistically depending on circumstances.
- gräva sin egen grav To cause one's own ruin or downfall through foolish actions.
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