粥少僧多

MEANING

1. 壹形adjective

   lit. many monks and not much gruel (idiom)(inherited)

   • sēngduōzhōushǎo,wǒmenbìxūjiéshěng.

     僧多粥少，我们必须节省。🔊

     There are many monks but little gruel, so we must be economical.

2. 貳形adjective

   fig. not enough to go around(inherited)

   • sēngduōzhōushǎo,wǒmenbùgòufēn.

     僧多粥少，我们不够分。🔊

     There are too many people and not enough to go around; we don't have enough to share.

3. 參形adjective

   demand exceeds supply(inherited)

   • sēngduōzhōushǎo,gōngzuòhěnnánzhǎo.

     僧多粥少，工作很难找。🔊

     There are too many monks and not enough porridge; it is very difficult to find work.