見ぬが花

みぬがはな
Frequency:
1

A proverb meaning that imagination or anticipation is often better than the reality; things can seem better when left to the imagination.

ExpressionProverb

Examples

旅行の前は楽しみでいっぱいだったが、実際に行ってみるとそうでもなく、やはり見ぬが花だ。

I was full of excitement before the trip, but when I actually went it wasn't that great — after all, it's better imagined.

あの俳優の恋愛話はよく聞くけど、詳しく知ると幻滅するかもしれないから、見ぬが花と思っている。

I often hear about that actor's love life, but if I knew the details I might be disappointed, so I think it's better left to the imagination.

昔の同級生の思い出は、実物に触れるよりも見ぬが花で美しいままにしておきたい。

I'd rather keep the memories of old classmates beautiful in my imagination than confront reality.