What does “The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.” mean?

"The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh" means that the closer one gets to the core of a situation or experience, the more rewarding it can be.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Don't be afraid to dig deeper into the topic. The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh. You might uncover something truly valuable.

Example

Sometimes, it's worth putting in the extra effort to understand something fully. The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.

Example

Remember, the best things in life often require patience and perseverance. *The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.

Is “The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.” effectively in context?

You can use "The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh" to emphasize the idea that the closer one gets to the core of a situation or experience, the more rewarding it can be. It encourages people to dig deeper, put in extra effort, and have patience in order to uncover valuable insights or experiences. For example, if someone is hesitant to explore a complex topic, you might say, 'Don't be afraid to dig deeper into the topic. The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh. You might uncover something truly valuable.'

1Research
When conducting research, it's important to remember that the nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh. By delving deeper into the subject matter, you can discover more meaningful and impactful findings.
2Relationships
In relationships, it's often worth investing time and effort to truly understand someone. The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh. By getting to know someone on a deeper level, you can build a stronger and more meaningful connection.
3Learning
When learning a new skill or subject, it's beneficial to go beyond surface-level knowledge. The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh. By diving deeper into the material, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding and master the topic.

Similar phrases to “The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.”:

No pain, no gain

To achieve something worthwhile, one must be willing to endure hardship or make sacrifices

Example

She knew that in order to succeed, she had to push herself outside of her comfort zone. No pain, no gain.

The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory

The more difficult the challenge, the more satisfying the achievement

Example

After months of training and preparation, they finally won the championship. The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.

You reap what you sow

The results or consequences of one's actions will eventually come back to them

Example

If you work hard and put in the effort, you will be rewarded. You reap what you sow.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh" is unknown.

Is “The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other well-known proverbs. However, it can still be used effectively to convey the idea of the rewards that come with delving deeper into a situation or experience.

What tone does “The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.” have?

"The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh" conveys a tone of encouragement and motivation. It emphasizes the potential benefits and rewards that can be obtained by putting in extra effort and exploring deeper aspects of a situation or experience.

Can “The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that encourages curiosity, perseverance, and a willingness to explore deeper levels of understanding. It can be used in various contexts, such as conversations with friends, presentations, or professional discussions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'When it comes to research, remember that the nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, the nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh!' to imply the importance of exploring deeper aspects of a situation or experience.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

the deeper you go, the better it gets
the more you explore, the more you discover
the more you invest, the greater the return
the more you learn, the more you earn
the closer you look, the more you see

Antonyms

surface-level knowledge is enough
don't bother going deeper
stay on the surface
superficial understanding is sufficient
no need to explore further