Aç tavuk kendini arpa ambarında sanır
Literal Translation
“A hungry chicken thinks it is in a barley barn.”
Meaning and Usage
This idiom describes the tendency to imagine possibilities that are far beyond one’s actual situation. It is used when someone who lacks money, experience, skills, or opportunities speaks or plans as if those limitations do not exist.
The expression draws attention to the gap between reality and expectation. It is not a criticism of dreaming or ambition itself, but of ignoring present conditions and practical limits. The tone is usually mild, slightly ironic, and often used in everyday conversation.
You will often hear this idiom in contexts involving money, career plans, status, or future success, especially when the plans sound detached from the person’s current circumstances.
Example Usage
Turkish:
Beş kuruşu yok, ama dünya turu yapacağım diyor. Aç tavuk kendini arpa ambarında sanır misali.
English:
He does not have a penny to his name, but he says he will travel the world. It is just like the saying, a hungry chicken thinks it is in a barley barn.
Cultural Note
This idiom reflects Turkey’s rural and agricultural past. Chickens and grain storage were part of everyday life, making the image immediately familiar. The chicken represents basic need and limitation, while the barley barn symbolizes abundance. The contrast makes the message clear, concrete, and easy to remember.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is this idiom typically used?
A: It is used when someone makes plans or expresses expectations that clearly exceed their current resources, abilities, or situation.
Q: Is this idiom only about money?
A: No. While financial situations are common, it can also refer to lack of experience, skills, connections, or realistic opportunity.
Q: Does this idiom sound harsh or insulting?
A: No. It is usually mildly critical or humorous rather than harsh. It points out unrealistic thinking without strong judgment.
Q: What is the main idea behind this idiom?
A: It highlights the distance between present reality and imagined abundance, showing how people sometimes ignore practical limits when dreaming or planning.