- English translation
When the unlucky try to celebrate, even the celebration meets an obstacle.
- Literal wording
The sad woman came to rejoice, but she found no place.
- Meaning and lesson
The picture is concrete: a woman whose lot has been grief finally sets out to enjoy her own wedding, yet finds no actual spot where she can celebrate. Her one chance at happiness is thwarted by something as basic as a lack of space.
Figuratively, the saying describes someone dogged by misfortune. Whatever such a person undertakes, some hindrance rises in the way, so that even an effort to be glad comes to nothing.
- When it is used
Applied to a person with persistently bad luck, who meets a hindrance in whatever they try. The wedding image sharpens the point that not even their attempt at happiness escapes this pattern.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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