"A clever woman can't cook without rice" has never been said since ancient times. It's just that some people are self-aligned. For example, many people can't talk easily, and men make up their minds to plow because of suffering.
On the surface, it means that no matter how smart and capable a woman is, she can't cook without rice. It also means that it is difficult to do things without necessary conditions.
Source: Lu You's Notes on the Old Learning Temple in the Song Dynasty, Volume III: "Shangshu is strict and Jingchu, inviting monks to be hospitalized, and the words of monks are not poor. Jingchu said,' high talent and real ears.' The monk said,' A smart woman can make noodle-free soup cakes.