సూది గొంతు, బాన కడుపు

sudi gontu, bana kadupu

Translation

His throat is like the eye of a needle, and his belly is like a large jar. A slow eating glutton. The eye is bigger than the belly. (German.)

Meaning

This expression describes a person who has very limited means or capacity to earn (needle-thin throat) but has massive expenses or appetites to satisfy (pot-like belly). It is used to describe a situation where one's intake or income is disproportionately small compared to their needs or overheads.

Related Phrases

Does one ask a sheep's permission before slitting its throat?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone in power or authority makes a decision that negatively impacts a subordinate without consulting them, or when a person's consent is irrelevant to an inevitable outcome. It highlights the futility of expecting a victim's permission for their own exploitation or harm.

A full stomach does not listen to morality

This proverb suggests that when a person is over-satisfied, wealthy, or comfortable, they often become arrogant and lose the patience to listen to good advice or moral lessons. It is also used to imply that someone who has everything cannot empathize with those in need or understand the value of discipline.

Discipline for the wife and frugality for the home.

This traditional proverb suggests that a well-managed household depends on two main pillars: a disciplined or well-behaved spouse who maintains order, and the practice of saving money or being thrifty. It is used to emphasize the importance of self-control and financial management in achieving domestic harmony and prosperity.

Like cutting the throat after gaining trust.

This expression is used to describe a severe act of betrayal or backstabbing. It refers to a situation where someone gains another person's complete confidence and then uses that trust to cause them significant harm or ruin.

Food for a full stomach, oil for a bald head.

This proverb describes things that are redundant, unnecessary, or wasted. Just as offering food to someone who is already full or applying hair oil to a bald head is pointless, it refers to providing help or resources to those who do not need them.

The money tied in one's own garment and the child born from one's own womb.

This expression highlights things that one can truly rely on and call their own. Just as a child is one's own blood, money kept securely with oneself is the only wealth that is guaranteed to be available in times of need. It emphasizes self-reliance and the importance of having personal resources rather than depending on others.

Hunger is as large as the sky, but the throat is as small as a needle's eye.

This expression describes a situation where one has massive desires, ambitions, or needs, but lacks the capacity, resources, or means to fulfill them. It is often used to refer to someone who has a huge appetite for something but lacks the ability to consume or achieve it.

The throat is small, but the pot is big.

This expression refers to a situation where a person's physical capacity or resources are very limited, yet their greed, ambition, or appetite is disproportionately large. It is often used to describe someone who tries to consume or take on much more than they can actually handle or manage.

A throat as narrow as a needle's eye, but a desire as vast as the sky.

This proverb is used to describe a person who has extremely limited capacity or means but harbors impossibly large ambitions or greed. It highlights the stark contrast between one's actual abilities and their unrealistic expectations.

The appetite is as great as the sky, but the throat is as small as the eye of a needle. Applied to great ambition, but small abilities.

This proverb describes a situation where one's desires or ambitions are vast and limitless, but their capacity, resources, or means to fulfill them are extremely limited. It is often used to refer to someone who has big dreams but lacks the capability or opportunity to achieve them.

* Hvo som vil röre i Skarn, faaser og lugte det. † Man bliver et snarere skiden end af Skarn.