expression
the grass is always greener on the other side; far away things seem better
Proverb meaning distant things seem appealing while nearby things seem unpleasant. Literally: 'far away smells of flowers; close up smells of dung'.
遠きは花の香近きは糞の香というから、隣の芝生が青く見えるのも無理はない。
As the proverb goes, 'far away smells of flowers; close up smells of dung,' so it's no wonder the grass looks greener on the other side.
A more common modern proverb with the same meaning: 'the neighbor's lawn is green'.
A traditional Japanese proverb contrasting distant and near perceptions. The exact origin is uncertain.