wasch mich, aber mach mich nicht nass

German

Etymology

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

Proverb

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!