If you grab a lizard by its tail, you anger it.
It is also said, "by the head of the lizard," and "the tail" is singular, though some say "the tail" is not used. This proverb is used to describe someone who forces another to do something they dislike.
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One of the closest English equivalents is:
Don't poke the bear.
Meaning: "Don't provoke someone who might harm you if they get angry."
This is the closest in spirit and image to the Arabic proverb.
Let sleeping dogs lie.
Meaning: "Leave things as they are and don't stir them up," if the intention is to avoid creating problems.
Cornered animals fight back.
Meaning: "An animal cornered will fight back," used for someone who is driven to a violent reaction when cornered.
To rub someone the wrong way.
Meaning: "To act in a way that angers or provokes someone."
A closer interpretive translation of the proverb is:
If you push someone into a corner, don't be surprised when they get angry.
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ويروى، برأس الضب، والذنبة الدنب واحد وقيل: الذنبة غير مستعملة. يضرب، لمن يلجئ غيره إلى ما يكره.
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