The broken-necked animal. This proverb is used to describe someone who has wealth and abundance but is stingy with his family, or someone with power and strength who only challenges the weak and submissive.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This meaning can be found in several English proverbs or expressions, depending on the aspect of the Arabic proverb being intended:
“A bully preys on the weak.”
Meaning: A bully only preys on the weak.
This is closer to the meaning: He only challenges the weak and submissive.
“He bites only where he is safe.”
Meaning: He only shows his strength where he is not in danger.
This expression is close in meaning, though not a very well-known proverb.
“Strong against the weak, weak against the strong.”
Meaning: Strong against the weak, weak before the strong.
This accurately reflects the spirit of the Arabic proverb.
As for the aspect of stinginess despite having money and resources, it is contrasted with:
“Penny-wise and pound-foolish.”
This is said of someone who is excessively miserly in a reprehensible way.
“He keeps a tight purse.”
Meaning: Extremely stingy despite his financial means.
The closest and most comprehensive equivalent to the spirit of the entire proverb is:
“He is brave only among the weak.
” "Only brave among the weak."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
الوَقيصة : المكسورة العُنُقِ من الدوابّ . يضرب لمن له مال وسَعَة وهو مُقَتِّر على عياله ولمن قدرة وقوة فهو لا ينازع إلا ضعيفا ذليلا
No comments:
Post a Comment