- English translation
One who has what is highest pays no attention to what is below it.
- Literal wording
Whoever has the moon does not care about the stars.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying contrasts possession of something lofty with indifference toward lesser things. The moon figures what is held in high esteem, while the stars represent things that seem lower when set beside it.
It describes someone whose attachment to what they regard as superior leaves them unconcerned with inferior alternatives. Its focus is the sharp difference in value created by that comparison.
- When it is used
Use it to describe a contrast in which someone, being proud of or attached to what they consider superior, disregards things they see as lower in value.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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