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The nearer the bone the sweeter the meat.

Meaning: Proximity to difficulty yields greatest reward; best results come from reaching hardest depths.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Wisdom

  • They that are bound must obey. — Captive people have no choice but to submit to their captor's will and commands.
  • A bow long bent at last waxeth weak. — Continuous strain without rest eventually exhausts even the strongest resources or people.
  • The brain that sows not corn, plants thistles. — Idleness breeds destructive habits; a mind unused for constructive purpose defaults to ha…
  • He who would have a hare for breakfast must hunt over night. — Success requires preparation and effort before the moment of need arrives.
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