Today, When I was teaching , one of my students asked me the meaning of the Hindi idiom “Door Ke Dhol Suhane.” As I explained it to him, I opted to give him a realistic example. I told him that it’s human nature that we often feel dissatisfied with what we have , but rather look what others have on their plates.
The child looked confused. He was expecting me to translate it in English but I opted to explain it with a story and then suddenly realized how relevant this saying is in our daily lives.
Human nature often makes us dissatisfied with what we have. Instead of appreciating our own blessings,
Let me share a simple story.
Ramesh worked in a small institution. His job was comfortable, the work environment was friendly, and the workload was manageable. He had enough time for his family and personal life. However, he was unhappy because his salary was not very high.
Whenever he met friends working in large organizations, he envied them. Their higher salaries and prestigious job titles seemed very attractive. Gradually, he became convinced that he would be happier if he worked in a bigger institution.
After months of searching, Ramesh finally secured a job in a renowned organization with a much better salary package. He was thrilled and believed that all his problems had been solved.
But reality turned out to be different.
The workplace was highly competitive and often toxic. Long working hours became the norm. Deadlines were relentless, and the workload was overwhelming. Ramesh found himself constantly stressed and exhausted. Though he earned more money, he had little time or energy to enjoy it. His family life suffered, and his peace of mind disappeared.
One day, while reflecting on his situation, he realized that he had taken the good aspects of his previous job for granted. The job he once considered ordinary had actually provided him with something priceless—peace, balance, and happiness.
Only then did he truly understand the meaning of “Door Ke Dhol Suhane.”
In English, there is a similar idiom:
“The grass always looks greener on the other side of the field.”
This teaches us an important language lesson. Idioms should not be translated word for word from one language to another. Instead, we find an equivalent idiom that conveys the same idea/ message.
Hindi Idiom: दूर के ढोल सुहाने (Door ke dhol suhane)
English Equivalent: The grass always looks greener on the other side of the field.
Moral: Appreciate what you have. What appears attractive from a distance may not be as wonderful as it seems.
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