"Sam" is the plural of "sama," meaning gold veins. "Jayyid awqas" means short. This proverb is used to describe someone of noble lineage but base in character.
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This proverb is used to describe someone of noble birth and high lineage, but of low character or weak character. A similar English equivalent is:"A good tree bears bad fruit."
"Noble birth does not guarantee noble character."
"A gold ring in a pig's snout."
This is said of something precious in an inappropriate place, or of someone who outwardly appears noble but lacks true nobility.
A very close proverb in meaning is:
"A gentleman by birth, not by behavior."
"Noble in lineage, not in deed."
This is closest to the spirit of the Arabic proverb.
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الخوق، الحلقة من الذهب أو الفضة. والسام جمع سامة وهي عروق الذهب. والجيد الأوقص، القصير. يضرب للشريف الآباء الدنيء في نفسه.
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