Picture description: Adam
Picture copyright: V.
“Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” (Proverbs 9:17)
Temptations are sweet. Stolen waters are temptations.
More often than not, men are prone to what is forbidden. Look at Adam and Eve. They desire fruits from the only tree which is forbidden by God.
This idiom has been cited in literary works since its appearance in the English Bible. Often, it carries the connotations of prohibited lusts, which are sought after for their seeming pleasantness.
Jane: Tom was found having an extra-marital affair with his secretary.
Tina: Well, stolen waters are sweet.
A lot of phrases, such as "two-edged sword" and " an eye for an eye", are taken from the English Bible. Learning the stories behind these idioms is fun, and can help boost your vocabulary. Click here to find out now!