Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) Flag Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)

Proverbs

.قبل لا تحط ريلك قايس
Literal Translation:
Before you put your leg, make the measures.
(American) English Equivalent:
Before you start to build a tower, count the cost.
Meaning:
Do not go beyond your abilities to achieve something.
.يوزه إذا ما تكسرها ما تاكل اللي فيها
Literal Translation:
If you do not crack the shell of the almond, you will not be able to eat the almond.
(American) English Equivalent:
Put your shoulder to the wheel.
Meaning:
You will not achieve anything in life if you do not work hard.
.خذ علوم الدار من يهالها
Literal Translation:
Learn all the news of house from the kids.
(American) English Equivalent:
Kids are as honest as the day is long.
Meaning:
The kids always have good intentions and do not know how to hide the truth.
.الفرس من خيالها ، والحرمة من ريّالها
Literal Translation:
The horse is known from its rider, and the woman from her husband.
Meaning:
Said about the husband who lets his wife do whatever she wants.
.‏الفضول قتل العيوز
Literal Translation:
curiosity killed the old woman
(American) English Equivalent:
Curiosity killed the cat.
Meaning:
said to warn people to stay away from curiosity.
.‏الحي يحييك ، والميت‏ يزيدك غبن
Literal Translation:
The alive man makes you alive, and the dead adds misery to your life.
(American) English Equivalent:
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Meaning:
The smart individual lightens your life, while the lazy one makes it harder.
.فقير و مربي كشه
Literal Translation:
He is poor, yet he has long hair.
(American) English Equivalent:
Poor as a church mouse but living large.
Meaning:
Long hair usually requires money to take care of it. This proverb describes someone who is poor and has no money do that, but has long jair anyway.