A lowly man sought refuge in a *qarmala* shrub. ذَلِيلٌ عَاذ بِقَرْمَلَةٍ‏.‏

Al-Asma'i said: *Qarmala* is a weak shrub with no leaves. Jarir said:
When Al-Farazdaq sought refuge with his maternal uncle, he was like a lowly man seeking refuge amidst a *qarmala* shrub.
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The proverb “A weakling sought refuge in a thorn bush” is used to describe someone who relies on someone weaker than themselves, or seeks protection from someone who cannot protect themselves. A thorn bush is a weak tree that offers no shade or shelter.
Some of the closest English equivalents are:
“The blind leading the blind.”
This is said when someone incapable depends on another incapable person.
“Seeking shelter under a leaf.”
This is an uncommon expression, but very close to the proverb's rhetorical image.
“Leaning on a broken reed.”
This is one of the most common English expressions for someone who relies on unreliable support.
“Looking for help in all the wrong places.”
This means seeking help from someone who cannot provide it.
The closest equivalent to the Arabic proverb is:
“Leaning on a broken reed.”
"It rests on a weak and unreliable foundation."
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قال الأصمعي‏:‏ القَرْمَلَة شجيرة ضعيفة لا وَرَق لها، قال جرير‏:‏
كَانَ الفرزدقُ حين عَاذَ بِخَالِهِ * مثلَ الذليلِ يَعُوذُ وَسْطَ الْقَرْمَلِ