We LOVE that dearly that costs us dearest

Insights

Value Through Sacrifice

The proverb suggests that our emotional attachment deepens in proportion to what we have invested—whether time, effort, suffering, or resources—into a person, goal, or object.

Psychological Investment

It highlights the role of personal cost or struggle in intensifying love or appreciation, implying that the more we give of ourselves, the more we value the outcome.

Esteem Rooted in Effort

The saying implies that things gained easily are less cherished, while those won with difficulty acquire a special place in our affections.

Economic and Emotional Parallel

The proverb aligns material expenditure (‘costs us dearest’) with emotional investment, making a subtle analogy between economics and psychology—love grows where effort is greatest.

Relationship and Parental Bond

The theme is especially vivid in parental love, where years of sacrifice often lead to deep attachment, but also in relationships, careers, and ambitions shaped by dedication and perseverance.

Contrast with Easy Acquisition

The cross-referenced saying, ‘What costs little is less esteemed,’ shows the other side of the same coin: what comes too easily rarely inspires devotion.

Cultural and Philosophical Roots

This proverb echoes classical wisdom and finds parallels in many cultures, recognizing a universal law of human attachment and appreciation.

Rhetorical Devices

Paronomasia (Wordplay)

The repetition and variation on ‘dearly’/‘dearest’ create a memorable play on words, reinforcing the link between cost and love.

Parallelism

Balanced structure (‘love that dearly that costs us dearest’) adds rhythm and clarity, enhancing its proverbial quality.

Generalization

By using ‘we’ and speaking universally, the proverb achieves wide relevance and applicability.