Meaning & Explanation
The idiom “A constant guest is never welcome” suggests that even the most beloved guests can become unwelcome if they overstay their visits or come too frequently.
Hindi Equivalent:
“बार-बार का मेहमान अच्छा नहीं”
Literal Meaning: “A frequent guest is not appreciated”
Detailed Explanation
This proverb highlights the importance of boundaries and moderation in social interactions. While hospitality is valued in all cultures, excessive visits can strain relationships, making even the most welcome guest a burden.
Key Lessons:
- Respect for Privacy: Constant visits can intrude on personal space.
- Value of Rarity: Occasional visits remain special; frequent ones lose charm.
- Social Balance: Healthy relationships require mutual respect for time and space.
Real-Life Examples
1. Family Visits
English: “Ramesh visits his cousin every weekend. Now, the family pretends to be busy – a constant guest is never welcome.”
Hindi: “रमेश हर हफ्ते अपने चचेरे भाई के घर जाता है। अब परिवार वाले व्यस्त होने का बहाना करते हैं – बार-बार का मेहमान अच्छा नहीं।”
2. Friend Overstaying
English: “Priya crashed at her friend’s place for weeks. The friendship soured – proving a constant guest is never welcome.”
Hindi: “प्रिया ने हफ्तों तक दोस्त के घर डेरा डाला। दोस्ती खटाई में पड़ गई – साबित हुआ कि बार-बार का मेहमान अच्छा नहीं।”
3. Workplace Drop-Ins
English: “Colleagues avoided Sameer after he kept interrupting their work – a constant guest is never welcome.”
Hindi: “समीर के बार-बार काम में टोकने पर सहकर्मी उससे दूर भागने लगे – बार-बार का मेहमान अच्छा नहीं।”
Usage Tips
✔ Use when discussing social boundaries.
✔ Great for teaching etiquette to youngsters.
✔ Helps explain why moderation is key in relationships.
Similar Proverbs
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| “Familiarity breeds contempt” | “ज्यादा जान-पहचान अवमानना लाती है” |
| “Fish and guests stink after three days” | “मेहमान और मछली तीन दिन में बासी हो जाते हैं” |
| “Give neither counsel nor salt till you are asked for it” | “बिना माँगे न सलाह दो, न नमक” |
Cultural Insight
This universal wisdom appears in many cultures:
- Japanese: “After three days, guests and fish become unpleasant.”
- Italian: “The guest and the fish begin to smell after two days.”
- Persian: “A guest is like snow; if it stays too long, it turns to slush.”
Reflection Questions:
- Have you ever felt burdened by a frequent guest?
- How can we politely set boundaries without offending others?
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