Desires are nourished by delays.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Waiting for something can make the desire for it more intense. Notice how anticipation affects your judgement rather than assuming that a growing wish proves the thing is becoming more worthwhile.

What the words are saying

Nourished gives desire the image of something fed while fulfilment is postponed. The person may imagine the hoped-for result repeatedly, making it occupy more attention than it did at first. The proverb describes one possible effect of waiting, not a law about every wish. A delay may also weaken interest or reveal that a plan is unsuitable. The useful distinction is between wanting something more strongly and learning that it has greater value. If anticipation is driving the decision, returning to the actual purpose and available information can provide a steadier basis for choosing.

Everyday example

A collector waiting for an advertised item pauses to check whether it still fits the collection instead of treating weeks of anticipation as a reason to buy at any cost.

When to use it

Use it when anticipation is making a wish stronger without adding evidence of its value.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.