- English translation
Like a measure of chickpeas — it looks large but comes up short.
- Literal wording
Like the measure of chickpeas: big and lacking.
- Meaning and lesson
The picture is of chickpeas measured out by volume. The measure appears full and large, but the pulses are light, so what it holds weighs less than its size suggests. Bigness and shortfall sit together in the same measure.
By extension, the comparison points to anything whose apparent size outstrips its real substance. What looks ample turns out to fall short once its true weight or value is reckoned.
- When it is used
Used as a comparison for whatever appears large or plentiful at first glance but proves deficient on closer reckoning, drawing attention to the contrast between generous size and meager actual worth.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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