delay

desires are nourished by delays

proverb One's interest in something will grow as one waits for it. A: "Ugh, I still haven't heard back from the recruiter at my dream job." B: "At least desires are nourished by delays." Desires are nourished by delays, sure, but this is getting ridiculous. Just tell me if I got into my first choice school or not, so I can get on with my life! Anyone who thinks desires are nourished by delays clearly hasn't encountered them while trying to fix up a house. After months and months, these delays are only nourishing my anger!

See also: by, delay, desire, nourish

justice delayed is justice denied

Justice served at a later time has as little impact as justice not being served at all. A: "We need to get this matter before a judge quickly." B: "Of course. Justice delayed is justice denied."

See also: delay, deny, justice

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

Desires are nourished by delays.

Prov. The longer you have to wait for something you want, the more eager you will be to get it. The longer I had to postpone my trip to San Francisco, the more eagerly I wanted to go. Desires are nourished by delays.

See also: by, delay, Desire, nourish

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.