Familiarity Breeds Contempt – अधिक नजदीकी तिरस्कार लाती है

The idiom “Familiarity breeds contempt” means:
The more we get to know someone or something, the more we may begin to see their flaws or weaknesses (जितना अधिक हम किसी को या किसी चीज़ को जानने लगते हैं, उतना ही हम उनकी खामियाँ या कमजोरियाँ देख सकते हैं)
Over time, close relationships can lead to a loss of respect or appreciation (समय के साथ, करीबी रिश्तों में सम्मान या सराहना की कमी हो सकती है)
Getting too comfortable with someone or something can lead to taking them for granted (किसी के साथ या किसी चीज़ के साथ बहुत अधिक आरामदायक हो जाना, उसे हल्के में लेने का कारण बन सकता है)

This phrase is often used to describe how over-familiarity can result in less regard or respect for someone or something, especially when initially there was admiration or respect.

Hindi Equivalent:
“अधिक नजदीकी तिरस्कार लाती है” (Excessive closeness brings contempt)
“बहुत जान-पहचान से तिरस्कार होता है” (Too much familiarity leads to disrespect)
“संबंधों में अत्यधिक नजदीकी घृणा उत्पन्न करती है” (Excessive closeness in relationships creates disdain)

Detailed Explanation
This idiom is used when:
People begin to lose respect for someone they once admired due to increased familiarity
A person’s flaws or behaviors become more apparent as you get closer to them
There is a tendency to take people or things for granted once you’re very familiar with them

Common contexts: Relationships (personal, professional), friendships, work environments

Real-Life Examples

Romantic Relationships
English: “After living together for a few years, they started to argue constantly. I guess familiarity breeds contempt.”
Hindi: “कुछ साल साथ रहने के बाद, वे लगातार लड़ने लगे। लगता है कि अधिक नजदीकी तिरस्कार लाती है।”

Workplace Scenario
English: “At first, everyone admired their boss, but after working with him for so long, they started losing respect. Familiarity breeds contempt.”
Hindi: “पहले, सभी अपने बॉस की सराहना करते थे, लेकिन इतने लंबे समय तक उनके साथ काम करने के बाद, उन्होंने सम्मान खो दिया। अधिक नजदीकी तिरस्कार लाती है।”

Friendship Dynamics
English: “We were best friends for years, but after spending too much time together, we started to irritate each other. Familiarity breeds contempt.”
Hindi: “हम सालों तक अच्छे दोस्त थे, लेकिन एक-दूसरे के साथ बहुत समय बिताने के बाद, हम एक-दूसरे को चिढ़ाने लगे। अधिक नजदीकी तिरस्कार लाती है।”

Psychological & Social Insight

Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ It emphasizes the delicate balance required in relationships and how too much closeness can lead to problems
✓ It highlights human nature, where constant exposure can lead to over-criticism or taking things for granted
✓ It reminds us to maintain respect and boundaries even in close relationships to preserve the admiration or appreciation

When to Use This Phrase:
When talking about how people or situations lose their charm or respect after getting too familiar
To explain why long-term relationships or constant exposure to someone can cause resentment or disregard
To warn about the potential downsides of getting too close too quickly in any relationship

Usage Tips
Best used in conversations about relationships, whether personal or professional
Can be used to explain why something or someone that was initially admired is now seen in a negative light
Be mindful of how it’s used; it can suggest that someone or something has lost its appeal or respect

Similar Expressions

English	Hindi
“Familiarity makes us blind”	“अत्यधिक परिचय अंधा बना देता है”
“Too much of a good thing”	“अच्छे चीज़ का अत्यधिक प्रयोग”
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder”	“वियोग से दिल और जुड़ता है”

Cultural Perspectives
Western View: In Western cultures, this idiom is commonly used in both romantic relationships and workplace environments to explain how initial admiration or respect can fade with increased familiarity
Indian Context: In India, relationships are often highly valued, and familiarity can lead to problems if one doesn’t maintain respect, especially in family or work settings
Global Relevance: This idiom resonates globally as it speaks to the universal human experience of how too much exposure to something can diminish its value or appeal

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever experienced a situation where familiarity led to a loss of respect or admiration?
• How do you maintain respect and admiration in close relationships over time?
• Why do you think familiarity can breed contempt, even when it seems counterintuitive?