This proverb conveys the idea that appearances can be misleading. A chicken being transported to the market is often carried in a basket on the vendor’s head, making it seem elevated above everyone else. However, this chicken is actually on its way to be sold and eventually eaten. Thus, despite its seemingly advantaged position, its fate is not fortunate at all. This teaches us not to envy others’ situations without understanding their true circumstances. The equivalent in English would be: ‘The grass is always greener on the other side,’ meaning not to envy what others have without knowing their hidden struggles.