This saying describes someone who is never satisfied with what they have and is always coveting what others have or what is just out of reach. It's a criticism of greed, restlessness, and lack of contentment.
The imagery is from a communal meal: you have food in your bowl, but you're already eyeing the pot for more. This reflects the Chinese cultural emphasis on contentment (知足, zhī zú) and the social disapproval of greed.
This saying is a gentle but pointed rebuke. It signals that the speaker values contentment and loyalty, and it serves to shame the listener into appreciating what they have rather than constantly seeking more.
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