A failed scheme that ends up costing you more than you gained. It's a warning against dishonest or overly clever plans that backfire.
The imagery comes from rural life where rice is used as bait to catch chickens. If the theft fails, you've lost both the chicken and the bait.
This saying carries a moral lesson: dishonesty and greed often lead to self-inflicted losses. It's a humorous way to mock failed scheming while teaching integrity.
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