"Ma'ajil" is the plural of "ma'jal," which means a shortcut to houses and water sources, as if it were too quick to be fully laid out. "Timl" refers to a cunning thief, and "arjal" means someone with strong, sturdy feet who hardly ever wears out.
This proverb is used to advise staying away from places of suspicion, meaning to leave them to those who are suspected.
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The proverb "Leave the hasty ones to the one with the long legs" means: Stay away from dubious paths and suspicious means, leave them to those who engage in them, and avoid places of accusation and suspicion.
The closest English proverbs to this meaning are:
If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.
— Meaning that associating with bad people or following their ways brings harm and accusations.
Avoid the appearance of evil.
— This is closest in meaning to staying away from places of accusation.
Keep out of harm's way.
Stay away from danger.
Stay away from trouble.
Don't play with fire.
— Meaning, don't expose yourself to what will bring you harm.
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المعاجيل: جمع مَعْجَل، وهو الطريق المختصر إلى المنازل والمياهِ، كأنه أعجل عن أن يكون مبسوطا، والطِّمْل: اللص الخبيث، والأرْجَلُ: الصلب الرِّجْل الذي لا يكاد يَحْفَى.
يضرب في التباعد عن مواضع التُّهَمِ، أي دعها لأصحابها.
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