«عِينِي فِيهْ وِاتْفُو عَلِيهْ»

The saying captures a contradiction between inner desire and outward display. Having one's eye on something here means longing for it, not merely watching it, while the spitting sound is a vernacular gesture of disgust, not a literal act.

It is applied to people who belittle what they secretly crave. Their scorn is read as a cover for appetite or envy, so the proverb exposes the pretense and suggests that loud contempt often reveals hidden wanting.

Used about someone who openly runs down a thing, person, or opportunity while plainly wanting it. Suitable for teasing or pointed remarks when a show of contempt seems to mask envy or appetite; it can sound mocking if aimed directly at the person.