Forbidden Fruit is Sweet – चोरी का फल मीठा लगता है

The idiom “Forbidden fruit is sweet” means:
Things that are prohibited or difficult to obtain often appear more attractive or desirable (जो चीज़ें मना होती हैं या प्राप्त करना कठिन होता है, वे अक्सर अधिक आकर्षक या वांछनीय लगती हैं)
The allure of things that are off-limits often seems irresistible (जो चीज़ें प्रतिबंधित होती हैं, उनका आकर्षण अक्सर अटल होता है)
A temptation or desire to indulge in something that is not allowed, even though you know it’s wrong or dangerous (वो लालच या इच्छा जो किसी ऐसी चीज़ में होती है जिसे करना मना होता है, भले ही आप जानते हैं कि वह गलत या खतरनाक हो सकता है)

This idiom is often used to express how the desire for something increases when it is restricted or forbidden. It reflects the human tendency to crave what is not allowed.

Hindi Equivalent:
“चोरी का फल मीठा लगता है” (Stolen fruit tastes sweet)
“नमूना समझने की उत्सुकता बढ़ जाती है” (Curiosity increases when something is off-limits)
“जितना मना किया जाता है, उतना ही आकर्षक लगता है” (The more something is forbidden, the more attractive it becomes)

Detailed Explanation
This idiom is used when:
Talking about the irresistible attraction of things that are off-limits or prohibited
Reflecting on how the allure of something increases when it is restricted or forbidden
Describing human nature and the temptation to break rules or laws

Common contexts: Temptations, breaking rules, the allure of the forbidden, teenage rebellion, moral dilemmas

Real-Life Examples

Teenage Rebellion
English: “She’s always sneaking out to parties; the forbidden fruit is sweet for her.”
Hindi: “वह हमेशा पार्टियों में जाती है, चोरी का फल मीठा लगता है उसे।”

Prohibited Desires
English: “He was told not to go into the restricted area, but the forbidden fruit was too tempting.”
Hindi: “उसे प्रतिबंधित क्षेत्र में न जाने के लिए कहा गया था, लेकिन चोरी का फल बहुत लुभावना था।”

Attraction to the Unavailable
English: “They say the forbidden fruit is sweet, and that’s why I wanted to try it.”
Hindi: “कहते हैं कि चोरी का फल मीठा लगता है, और यही कारण है कि मैंने इसे आजमाने की इच्छा की।”

Psychological & Social Insight

Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ It reflects a universal human trait — the temptation to break rules or explore things that are not allowed
✓ It highlights how restrictions can increase desire or curiosity, making the forbidden more attractive
✓ It explores the tension between desire and morality, temptation and responsibility

When to Use This Phrase:
To describe situations where someone is drawn to something they know they shouldn’t have
When talking about temptations, especially those that arise from prohibitions or societal rules
In discussions about how people often want what they can’t have

Usage Tips
This idiom is typically used in a casual or reflective tone
It can be used humorously or to describe serious moral dilemmas
Be cautious when using this idiom in serious or sensitive situations where breaking rules may have serious consequences

Similar Expressions

English	Hindi
“Curiosity killed the cat”	“जिज्ञासा ने बिल्ली को मार डाला”
“What is forbidden is sweet”	“जो मना है, वह स्वादिष्ट लगता है”
“The grass is always greener on the other side”	“दूसरी ओर घास हमेशा हरी होती है”

Cultural Perspectives
Western View: In Western cultures, this idiom is often used to describe the allure of things that are forbidden, such as sneaking into places, breaking societal norms, or indulging in things that are seen as immoral or taboo. It’s tied to the idea of human temptation and curiosity.
Indian Context: In India, this idiom resonates with the cultural idea of “forbidden” desires or actions, particularly in contexts like youth rebellion, the attraction to unapproved relationships, or engaging in activities that are seen as morally wrong or outside societal norms.
Global Relevance: The temptation of the forbidden fruit is a universal concept, seen across many cultures and used to highlight how people often desire what is off-limits. From ancient myths to modern temptations, this idiom is recognized worldwide as part of the human experience.

Reflection Questions:

• Can you think of a time when you desired something more because it was forbidden?
• How do you handle temptations in your life?
• Do you believe that rules are more attractive when they are forbidden, and why?