पास की चीजें अच्छी नहीं होतीं

/paːs kiː tʃiːdʒẽːː ə tʃʰiː nəɦĩːː ʱo.tɪ̃ː/
proverbIntermediate good things are far awayproverb
What It Really Means
True value or opportunity is rarely found in immediate proximity; one must seek farther or endure patience to find what is truly worthwhile.
Literal Meaning
Things that are close are not good.
Literal Breakdown
पास कीnear/close+चीजेंthings+अच्छीgood+नहीं होतींare not
Mental Image
A mental picture of a person standing near a plain or unremarkable object, while a shimmering treasure lies just out of reach in the distance.
When to Use
A student who has been rejected from local colleges finally gets accepted into a prestigious university abroad. Their family says, 'पास की चीजें अच्छी नहीं होतीं' to highlight that the delay led to a far better outcome.
Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the Hindi cultural value of 'patience' (धैर्य) and the belief that divine or cosmic justice ensures that true rewards are not easily accessible but are worth the wait. It is often cited in religious or philosophical contexts as well.
literary

Good or valuable things are rarely found nearby; one must look farther to find true worth or opportunity.

उसकी नौकरी इतनी अच्छी क्यों मिल गई? पास की चीजें अच्छी नहीं होतीं।

Why did he get such a good job? Good things are never close at hand.

उसने कहा, 'पास की चीजें अच्छी नहीं होतीं', इसलिए उसने दूर की जगह पर नौकरी तलाशने का फैसला किया।

He said, 'Good things are never close at hand,' so he decided to look for a job far away.

💡

This proverb reflects a cultural belief that immediate proximity often lacks value, while distance or effort reveals better opportunities.

Related Phrases

दूर के ढोल सुहावने होते हैंproverb
Distant drums sound pleasant (but the reality may be different)
जो मिले सो सोनाproverb
What is found is gold (be content with what you have)

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This proverb aligns with the Hindi cultural emphasis on delayed gratification and the belief that true rewards lie beyond immediate reach. It is often used to console someone facing disappointment or to motivate them to keep striving.

Gold Rule

Usage Scenario

Use this proverb when someone achieves success after initial setbacks or when encouraging someone to look beyond their immediate surroundings for better opportunities.

📖Word Origin

A traditional Hindi proverb (कहावत) composed of two clauses: 'पास की चीजें' (things nearby) and 'अच्छी नहीं होतीं' (are not good). The phrase emphasizes the value of distance or persistence over immediate convenience.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in motivational or reflective contexts to encourage patience, perseverance, or acceptance of delayed gratification. Often cited when someone receives an unexpected positive outcome after initial struggles.

Word Breakdown

पास की चीजें
things nearby
phrase
+
अच्छी नहीं होतीं
are not good
phrase
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश