不当家不知柴米贵

不当家不知柴米贵:

Literally means:

if one does not manage household affairs, he does not know that firewood and rice are expensive

Actually means:

当家 refers to the person taking charge of housekeeping or administration in a company.

This phrase means that those who do not housekeep or who do not administrate do not know the difficulties of making a living or handling affairs. It connotes a sense of complaints.

当家，主持家事的人或单位的领导。

不当家不知柴米贵，不主持家务或不当领导的人，不知道过日子或办事情 的难处。含有埋怨的意思。