He went forth seeking gain, but evil clung to him. ذَهَبَ كاسِباً فَلَجَّ بِهِ‏.‏

hat is, evil clung to him until it destroyed him and led him to harm, whether by drowning, death, or something else.
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This proverb is used to describe someone who went out seeking profit or gain, but whose efforts turned into ruin or misfortune due to their persistence and excess. A similar English equivalent is:
“He went for wool and came home shorn.”
Meaning: He went to gain, but returned empty-handed.
This is one of the most famous proverbs that conveys this meaning.
“His greed was his downfall.”
Meaning: His greed was the cause of his downfall.
“He bit off more than he could chew.”
Meaning: He took on more than he could bear, and thus fell into trouble.
“He came seeking gain and found ruin.”
Meaning: He came seeking profit but found ruin.
“He dug his own grave.”
Meaning: He brought about his own downfall through his actions
The closest equivalent to the Arabic proverb is:
“He went for wool and came home shorn.”
“He went to shear the wool and returned sheared.”
Meaning: He went out seeking profit but returned with loss and harm.
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أي لجَّ الشرُّ به حتى أهْلَكَه وأوقعه في شر إما غَرَق أو قَتْل أو غيرهما‏.‏

The camels took up their weapons. أخذت الإبل أسلحتها

  Or, as some say, their spears. This is because they grew so fat that their owner could not bring himself to slaughter them.

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 The English equivalent is:

Too valuable to sacrifice.

Meaning: The thing has become so precious and valuable that it is difficult for its owner to part with it.

It can also be said:

He can't bring himself to part with it.

Meaning: He cannot bear to part with it.

However, if a more fitting expression is desired, closer to the spirit of the Arabic proverb, a similar one is:

Fine cattle make poor butcher's meat.

Meaning: Valuable livestock is difficult for its owner to slaughter; this is very close in meaning to: The camels have taken up arms, meaning they have become so fat and strong that their owner is hesitant to slaughter them.

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ويروى، رماحها. وذلك أن تسمن فلا يجد صاحبها من قلبه أن ينحرها.