This proverb speaks about criticism and perspectives in personal relationships. It compares a spouse who is constantly criticized due to proximity and expectations with an outsider whom one admires from afar without actual commitment. It suggests that the close relationship leads to more occasions for criticism, whereas an outsider who is not committed seems perfect because we are not aware of their flaws. This demonstrates that engagement and proximity lead to criticism that we wouldn’t know without being close. A modern equivalent in English might be: “The grass is always greener on the other side.”.