Learn English – the English equivalent for the Spanish saying “God gives bread to those who have no teeth”

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There is an interesting popular saying in southern European countries, that in Spanish, for instance, says: "Dios da pan a quien no tiene dientes". Literally, "God gives bread to those who have no teeth". Its meaning refers to the fact that often in life those who have solid means (money/opportunities/connections) are not interested or have no aspirations to get the best out of them, and vice versa.

I can't think of an English saying that conveys a similar meaning. Can you think of any?

Best Answer

I think this saying puts emphasis on unfairness and inequality.

So "it's an unfair world" would be an equivalent.

Also, Oxford dictionary has this translation.

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/translate/spanish-english/dios

Additionaly, some sources mention the below proverb as an English proverb (which probably passed from Spanish or French in early 20th century). Not common though.

The gods send nuts to those who have no teeth.

From "Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs":

Said of opportunities or pleasures which come too late to be enjoyed.
Cf. Fr. le pain vient à qui les dents faillent, bread comes to those who lack teeth.

  • God gives us nuts to crack when we no longer have teeth.
    [1929 American Speech IV. 463]

  • The gods send nuts to those who have no teeth. In this life we either have too little of what we do want, or too much of what we don't want or can't use.
    [1967 Ridout & Witting English Proverbs Explained 68]

  • ‘It's seeing the gardens I—we—would have been going for,’ insisted Sloan, ‘Not the luxury.’ ‘Quite right,’ said Leeyes, adding obscurely, ‘The nuts come when the teeth have gone.’
    [2000 ‘C. Aird’ Little Knell (2001) xiv. 161]

Related to: old age; opportunity, missed

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