Forbidden fruit is sweet. 
Meaning and origin
Meaning: The term "forbidden fruit" refers to something highly desirable but off-limits. We always strive for the forbidden, and desire what is denied to us.
Origin: This phrase originates from the biblical story in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 2:16–17, Genesis 3:4–5), where Adam and Eve eat the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden, despite being forbidden by God to do so.
The Latin proverb "Nitimur in vetitum semper, cupimusque negata" is attributed to the Roman poet Ovid, and it reflects the human tendency to be drawn to things that are forbidden or out of reach. It suggests that people are often more interested in things that are prohibited or inaccessible, rather than what is readily available to them.
Proverbs on a similar topic
- Boys will be boys.
- Am I my brother's keeper?
- Honour to whom honour is due.
- An open door may tempt a saint.
- He that has a great nose thinks everybody is speaking of it.
- He that makes himself a sheep shall be eaten by the wolf.
- He that makes himself an ass, must not take it ill, if men ride him.
- When God will punish, he will first take away the understanding.
- Rub a galled horse on the back and he will wince.
Related proverbs
Similar proverbs in another language
Latin
-
Nitimur in vetitum semper, cupimusque negata.
We strive to be in the prohibition always desire to denial of the.
-
Quod licet, ingratum est, quod non licet, acrius urit.
What is allowed is unpleasant, what is not allowed burns more intensely.
-
Cui peccare licet, peccat minus.
He who is allowed to sin, sins less.
-
Nihil magis amat cupiditas, quam quod non licet.
Desire loves nothing more than that which is not permitted.
-
Unde fames homini vetitorum tanta ciborum est.
Hence the hunger of the forbidden food is so great for man.
-
Quidquid licet, minus desideratur.
Whatever it is, the less is desired.
French
-
Chose défendue, chose désirée.
Something forbidden, something desired.
-
Pain dérobé réveille l' appétit.
Pain dérobé awakens the appetite.
-
Les fruits défendus sont les plus doux.
The forbidden fruits are the sweetest.
German
-
Verbotene Früchte schmecken am besten.
Forbidden fruits taste the best.
-
Verbotene Früchte sind süß.
Forbidden fruits are sweet.
Czech
-
Zakázané ovoce nejlépe chutná.
Forbidden fruit tastes best.
-
Zakázané sladké.
Forbidden sweet.