An Open Door Tempts Even a Saint – खुला दरवाजा संत को भी ललचाता है

Meaning & Explanation

The idiom “An open door tempts even a saint” suggests that when opportunities for wrongdoing are easily available, even the most virtuous people may be tempted to act unethically.

Hindi Equivalent:

“खुला दरवाजा संत को भी ललचाता है”
Literal Meaning: “An open door tempts even a saint”

Detailed Explanation

This proverb teaches us:

• Human Weakness: No one is completely immune to temptation
• Opportunity Matters: Easy access to wrongdoing increases its likelihood
• Moral Testing: True character is tested when boundaries are loose

The phrase originates from the idea that unrestricted access can corrupt even the most disciplined individuals.

Real-Life Examples

1. Workplace Ethics

English: “With no audit system, even honest employees started taking supplies—an open door tempted saints.”
Hindi: “ऑडिट सिस्टम न होने से ईमानदार कर्मचारी भी सामान लेने लगे—खुला दरवाजा संत को भी ललचाता है।”

2. Digital Temptations

English: “Unlimited internet access made students cheat—proving open doors corrupt.”
Hindi: “अनलिमिटेड इंटरनेट ने छात्रों को नकल करने पर मजबूर कर दिया।”

3. Parenting Challenges

English: “Left alone with cookies, the disciplined child gave in—even saints stumble.”
Hindi: “अकेले छोड़े जाने पर अनुशासित बच्चा भी कुकीज़ खाने से न रोक सका।”

Psychological & Social Insight

Research shows:
✓ Temptation resistance depletes with repeated exposure
✓ Environmental design impacts ethical behavior
✓ “Opportunity makes the thief” phenomenon is real

Usage Tips

Use when discussing systems design/ethics
Effective for organizational policy discussions
Helps explain why boundaries matter

Similar Proverbs

English	Hindi
“Opportunity makes the thief”	“मौका चोर पैदा करता है”
“The fish stinks from the head”	“मछली सिर से सड़ती है”
“Easy money never lasts”	“आसान पैसा टिकता नहीं”

Cultural Perspectives

Global variations:

• Chinese: “An unguarded treasure invites thieves”
• Italian: “At an open chest, the righteous sins”
• Jewish: “Don’t place a stumbling block before the blind”

Reflection Questions:

1. When has an “open door” situation tested your ethics?
2. How can we design systems that reduce temptation?