wasch mich, aber mach mich nicht nass

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German

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Etymology

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Literally, wash me, but don't get me wet.

Proverb

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wasch mich, aber mach mich nicht nass

  1. Used of someone who wants some good or advantage, but does not want the contemporary inconvenience that it requires; somewhat like have one's cake and eat it
    Erst beschweren sie sich über die schlechten Straßen und dann über die Baustellen! — Tja, wasch mich, aber mach mich nicht nass!
    First they complain about the bad roads and then about the repairs! — Well, wash me, but don't get me wet!