nearer

the nearer the bone, the sweeter the meat

proverb The last parts of something are the most enjoyable. Some of my terminally ill patients have said that they enjoy life more once they know that death is imminent. The nearer the bone, the sweeter the meat, I guess.
See also: meat, nearer, sweeter

the nearer the church, the farther from God

proverb The higher up someone is in the church hierarchy, the more likely they are to be corrupt, immoral, or sinful. A: "It turns out the archbishop himself was the one who ran the entire cover-up operation." B: "Doesn't surprise me. The nearer the church, the farther from God." The highest order of the church is shrouded in secrecy, but the few reports that make their way to the public often detail a decadent, even vulgar lifestyle. I suppose, as they say, the nearer the church, the farther from God.
See also: farther, god, nearer
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

nearer the church, the farther from God

Prov. Church officials, or people who live near the church, are not truly pious. Jill: I think our pastor is an evil man. Jane: I didn't think evil men could be pastors. Jill: Of course they can! The nearer the church, the farther from God.
See also: farther, god, nearer
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • be the spice of life
  • teach a man to fish
  • it takes a village
  • village
  • the best-laid plans
  • the best-laid plans go astray
  • the best-laid plans of mice and men
  • best-laid plans go astray, the
  • a little knowledge is a dangerous thing
  • a little learning is a dangerous thing
References in periodicals archive
YOUTHS who have been pestering horses owned by Nuneaton's Riding for the Disabled Association have forced organisers to seek alternative grazing land nearer to the group's Galley Common stables.
Youths harass charity's horses
"That will always stay with Robbie I think because he said he wanted to move nearer his parents and then moved further away."
Football: Time to kiss and make up; Birmingham v Derby, today, KO 3pm WELL, GOLD WILL OFFER TO SHAKE AVAGE'S HAND, AT LEAST, TO END THE FEUD
"Hopefully, Jamie will be available but we shall see nearer the time.
Horse Racing: Hobbs wants Spencer for Fair ride
Manager Maureen Williams said: "We are a mutual building society and want to be nearer our customers, which is why we're moving from the business district to be nearer shoppers and passers-by."
BRIEF CASE
The biggest upset in any division was probably in 7 Central, where leaders Dowlais, with only one previous loss, fell at lowly Cwmgwrach in an amazing 13-5 scoreline, leaving Porthcawl a step nearer with two games in hand after winning 24-13 at Cwmtwrch.
Only three clubs now unbeaten; RUGBY UNION: Welsh League, Divisions 4-7
DAYTIME telly host Lorraine Kelly is on the move - to a new home nearer to her beloved Dundee United.
Lorraine's away to a new home
Sue's children have all left home, Adrian has gone to university in Sheffield and Fiona lives with her dad as it is nearer to where she works.
You'll just love the balcony scene
"Getting nearer and nearer our objective brings its own particular pressures, but I am determined to keep that level of expectancy away from the players."
Football: Little Bit at a time; SLIGO v GALWAY
PAUL NOLAN will wait until ``much nearer the race'' before making a decision on whether Champion Hurdle fourth Accordion Etoile will take his chance in the Guinness Galway Hurdle on Thursday week.
Accordion not definite for Galway
The DEEP2 team used red and blue light emissions to compare the clustering behavior of galaxies that are 6 to 8 billion light-years away to that of nearer galaxies.
Surveying the universe's middle-aged galaxies. (Sky Prospecting)
A FORMER Leamington mayor and long-serving councillor is leaving the town to be nearer his family.
Hughie moves on after so many years
Most brands of petrol were cheaper nearer to the refinery or depot, and a halfpenny or one penny a gallon more in the country or more remote areas.
Short rations
A spokeswoman for the store said: "We'll be launching our Easter egg range much nearer Easter itself.
TESCO EGGSTRA; EXCLUSIVE Easter goodies on supermarket shelves.. from the 1st of January!
"When we get nearer the game I'll look at what they have and sit and pick the players I need.
Football: No video nasties for Smith
In September it was York Minster, tomorrow it's the nearer Dewsbury Minster, as guests of Thornhill Male Voice Choir.
Singing in the minster again