The cat would eat fish, but would not wet her feet

"the cat would eat fish, but would not wet her feet"کی تعریف اور معنی

the cat would eat fish, but would not wet her feet

used to imply that one desires something but lacks the willingness to put in effort or take risks to achieve it, suggesting a lack of ambition or laziness

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "the cat would eat fish, but would not wet her feet" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "the cat would eat fish, but would not wet her feet" is traced back to ancient Greek and is present in various forms in Aesop's Fables. It highlights the contradiction between wanting something and being unwilling to face the necessary challenges or discomforts to obtain it. While the saying criticizes laziness or a lack of willingness to work for something, it also subtly hints at the nature of human hesitation when faced with challenges. This proverb serves as a reminder that achieving goals often requires a willingness to face discomfort, make sacrifices, or take risks, something that is sometimes overlooked in the pursuit of success.

Example

Even though he knows he needs to exercise more and eat healthier, my neighbor does nothing to change his habits, as they say the cat would eat fish, but would not wet her feet.