Among birds, the lowly species produce the most offspring; expending one's social standing is akin to spending one's wealth بغاث الطير أكثرها فراخاً بذل الجاه أحد المالين

بغاث الطير أكثرها فراخاً بذل الجاه أحد المالين
Among birds, the lowly species produce the most offspring; expending one's social standing is akin to spending one's wealth.
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المثل «بِغاثُ الطيرِ أكثرُها فِراخًا، وبَذْلُ الجاهِ أحدُ المالين» يجمع بين معنيين:
بغاث الطير أكثرها فراخًا: الطيور الضعيفة أو الوضيعة قد تكون أكثر تكاثرًا من الطيور القوية.
بذل الجاه أحد المالين: قضاء حاجة الناس بالجاه والمكانة نوع من الإنفاق، مثل إنفاق المال.
وبالنسبة إلى «بذل الجاه أحد المالين»، فأقرب تعبير إنجليزي هو:
“A favor is as good as money.”
أي: قضاء حاجة الناس بالجاه أو المعروف كأنه إنفاق للمال.
وهناك تعبير إنجليزي أقرب من جهة استعمال النفوذ أو العلاقات لمساعدة الآخرين:
“It’s not what you know, but who you know.”
أي: المهم ليس ما تعرفه، بل من تعرفه.
لكن هذا الأخير لا يؤدي معنى بذل الجاه كنوع من المال بدقة، بل يركّز على قيمة العلاقات والنفوذ.
لذلك، إذا كنت تبحث عن المقابل الثقافي الأقرب للجزء «بذل الجاه أحد المالين»:
“A favor is as good as money.”
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The proverb "Weak birds produce the most offspring; expending one's influence is akin to spending wealth" combines two concepts:
"Weak birds produce the most offspring": Weak or lowly birds may reproduce more prolifically than strong ones.
"Expending one's influence is akin to spending wealth": Fulfilling people's needs by leveraging one's status and standing is a form of expenditure, just like spending money.
Regarding the phrase "expending one's influence is akin to spending wealth," the closest English expression is:
“A favor is as good as money.”
Meaning: Fulfilling a need through influence or a good deed is equivalent to spending money.
There is another English expression that is closer in terms of using influence or connections to help others:
“It’s not what you know, but who you know.”
Meaning: What matters is not what you know, but whom you know.
However, the latter does not precisely convey the idea of ​​using influence as a form of wealth; instead, it focuses on the value of connections and influence.
Therefore, if you are looking for the closest cultural equivalent to the part "expending one's influence is akin to spending wealth":
“A favor is as good as money.”

A little good, and I disgraced myself. خير قليل وفضحت نفسي

خير قليل وفضحت نفسي

ويروى: نفع قليل. قالوا: إن أول من قال ذلك فاقرة، أمراع مرة الأسدي، وكانت من أجمل النساء في زمانها. وإن زوجها غاب عنها أعواماً فهويت عبداً لها حامياً، كان يرعى ماشيتها. فلما همت به أقبلت على نفسها فقالت: يا نفس، لا خير في الشرة فإنها تفضح الحرة، وتحدث العرة. ثم أعرضت عنه حيناً، ثم همت به فقالت: يا نفس، موتة مريحة خير من الفضيحة وركوب القبيحة، وإياك والعار، ولبوس الشنار، وسوء الشعار، ولؤم الدثار. ثم همت به وقالت: إن كانت مرة واحدة فقد تصلح الفاسدة، وتكرم العائدة. ثم جسرت على أمرها فقالت للعبد: احضر مبيتي الليلة. فأتاها فواقعها، وكان زوجها عائفاً مارداً، وكان قد غاب دهراً ثم أقبل آتياً، فبينا هو يطعم إذ نعب غراب فأخبره أن امرأته لم تفجر قط ولا تفجر إلا تلك الليلة. فركب مرة فرسه وسار مسرعاً رجاء أن هو أحسها أمنها أبداً، فانتهى إليها، وقد قام العبد عنها وقد ندمت وهي تقول: خير قليل وفضحت نفسي. فسمعها مرة، فدخل عليها وهو يرعد لما به من الغيظ فقالت له: ما يرعدك? قال مرة ليعلم أنه قد علم: خير قليل وفضحت نفسي. فشهقت شهقة وماتت فقال مرة:
لحا الله رب الناس فاقر ميتة
وأهون بها مفقوده حين تفقد
لعمرك ما تعتادني منك لوعة
ولا أنا من وجد عليك مسهد
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A little good, and I disgraced myself.
It is also said: A little benefit. They said: The first to say this was Faqirah, Amra' Murrah al-Asadi, who was one of the most beautiful women of her time. Her husband had been away for years, and she became infatuated with a slave of hers who tended her livestock. When she was tempted by him, she turned to herself and said: "O soul, there is no good in lust, for it disgraces the free woman and brings shame." Then she turned away from him for a while, then was tempted by him again and said: "O soul, a peaceful death is better than disgrace and committing an ugly act. Beware of shame, of wearing disgrace, of bad character, and of a base nature." Then she was tempted by him again and said: "If it is only once, then the corrupt may be rectified, and the one who returns may be honored." Then she mustered her courage and said to the slave: "Be present at my bedside tonight." So he came to her and had intercourse with her. Her husband was a rebellious and disobedient man who had been away for a long time and then returned. While he was eating, a raven cawed and told him that his wife had never committed adultery before, nor would she ever do so except that night. So he mounted his horse and rode swiftly, hoping that if he sensed her, he would be safe forever. He arrived to find the slave had risen from her, and she was filled with remorse, saying, "A little good, and I have disgraced myself." He heard her and entered, trembling with rage. She asked him, "Why are you trembling?" He replied, "So that he would know that I knew: 'A little good, and I have disgraced myself.'" She gasped and died. Then he said, "May God curse the Lord of mankind! How wretched a death is, and how easy it is to lose a loved one when she is gone! By your life, I have never known you to cause me grief, nor am I sleepless with longing for you." .
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المثل العربي «خير قليل وفضحت نفسي» يُضرب لمن يجني منفعة أو لذة يسيرة مقابل خسارة عظيمة، ولا سيما خسارة الشرف أو السمعة. فالمعنى: لا تستحق المكاسب الصغيرة أن تُشترى بفضيحة أو عار دائم.
ولا يوجد في الإنجليزية مثل مطابق تمامًا، لكن توجد أمثال وتعبيرات قريبة في المعنى: The game isn't worth the candle. ✅ أفضل مقابل المعنى: المكسب لا يستحق ما يُدفع من ثمن أو مخاطرة.
يقابل فكرة أن المنفعة القليلة لا تستحق العاقبة الكبيرة.
The juice isn't worth the squeeze. تعبير حديث شائع.
المعنى: العائد لا يستحق الجهد أو الثمن أو المخاطرة.
A moment of pleasure may cost a lifetime of regret. لحظة من اللذة قد تكلف عمرًا من الندم.
ليس مثلًا تقليديًا، لكنه يطابق قصة المثل ومعناه.
One false step may ruin your reputation. زلة واحدة قد تدمر سمعتك.
يركز على ضياع السمعة بسبب خطأ واحد.
Don't sell your honor for a moment's pleasure. لا تبع شرفك من أجل لذة عابرة.
ترجمة معنوية، وليست مثلًا إنجليزيًا متداولًا.
أفضل مقابل في الثقافة الإنجليزية:
The game isn't worth the candle.
فهو يُستعمل عندما تكون الفائدة ضئيلة مقارنة بالخسارة أو المخاطرة، وهو أقرب ما يؤدي معنى «خير قليل وفضحت نفسي»، وإن كان المثل العربي يركز بصورة أوضح على التضحية بالشرف أو السمعة مقابل منفعة يسيرة، وهو جانب لا يرد صراحة في المثل الإنجليزي
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The Arabic proverb "A little good and I disgraced myself" is used to describe someone who gains a small benefit or pleasure at the cost of a great loss, especially a loss of honor or reputation. The meaning is: small gains are not worth buying with scandal or lasting shame.
While there isn't an exact equivalent in English, there are proverbs and expressions with similar meanings:
"The game isn't worth the candle." ✅ Best price
Meaning: The gain isn't worth the price paid or the risk taken.
This contrasts with the idea that a small benefit isn't worth the big consequences.
"The juice isn't worth the squeeze."
A common modern expression.
Meaning: The return isn't worth the effort, price, or risk.
"A moment of pleasure may cost a lifetime of regret."
Not a traditional proverb, but it fits the story and meaning of the proverb.
"One false step may ruin your reputation."
One mistake can ruin your reputation.
This emphasizes the loss of reputation due to a single error. Don't sell your honor for a moment's pleasure.
Don't sell your honor for a fleeting pleasure.
This is a figurative translation, not a common English proverb.
A better equivalent in English culture is:
The game isn't worth the candle.
It is used when the benefit is minimal compared to the loss or risk, and it is closest to the meaning of "a little good and I've disgraced myself," although the Arabic proverb focuses more clearly on sacrificing honor or reputation for a small benefit, an aspect not explicitly mentioned in the English proverb.

A hidden virtue is better than a wicked youth خبأة صدق خير من يفعة سوء

خبأة صدق خير من يفعة سوء

الخبأة، المرأة التي تطلع ثم تختبئ. ويقال: غلام يافع ويفعة وغلمان يفعة أيضاً في الجمع أي جارية خفرة خير من غلام سوء. يضرب للرجل يكون خامل الذكر فيقال لأن يكون كذا خير من أن يكون مشهوراً مرتفعاً في الشر.
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A hidden virtue is better than a wicked youth. The word "hidden" here refers to a woman who appears and then hides. It is also said that a young, modest boy is better than a wicked boy, and the plural is "young boys." This proverb is used to describe a man of obscure reputation, implying that it is better for him to be so than to be famous and elevated in wickedness.
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المثل العربي «خَبْأَةُ صِدْقٍ خيرٌ من يَفَعَةِ سُوء» يُضرب لمعنى أن الخمول مع الصلاح خير من الشهرة مع الفساد، أو أن قلة الذكر في الخير خير من علو الذكر في الشر.
ومن أقرب المقابلات الإنجليزية: “Better an honest nobody than a famous rogue.”
أي: خير أن تكون مغمورًا شريفًا من أن تكون مشهورًا فاسدًا.
وهو أقرب مقابل للمثل العربي.
“Better be unknown than infamous.”
أي: خير أن تكون مجهولًا من أن تكون سيئ السمعة.
“A good name is better than great riches.”
أي: السمعة الطيبة خير من الغنى.
وهو قريب في تفضيل الصلاح على المكاسب الدنيوية، وإن لم يركز على الخمول.
“Better obscure and honest than notorious and wicked.”
أي: خير أن تكون مغمورًا أمينًا من أن تكون مشهورًا بالشر.
“Better no fame than bad fame.”
أي: عدم الشهرة خير من الشهرة السيئة.
وأقرب مقابل للمثل العربي هو:
“Better be unknown than infamous.”
«خير أن تكون مجهولًا من أن تكون سيئ السمعة.»
أو بصيغة أكثر مطابقة لمعناه:
“Better an honest nobody than a famous rogue.”
«خير أن تكون مغمورًا شريفًا من أن تكون مشهورًا فاسدًا.»
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The Arabic proverb “A hidden good deed is better than a youthful wickedness” is used to illustrate that obscurity with integrity is better than fame with corruption, or that little recognition for good deeds is better than widespread notoriety for evil.
A close English equivalent is:
“Better an honest nobody than a famous rogue.”
Meaning: It is better to be an unknown but honorable person than to be a famous but corrupt one.
This is the closest equivalent to the Arabic proverb.
“Better be unknown than infamous.”
Meaning: It is better to be unknown than to have a bad reputation.
“A good name is better than great riches.”
Meaning: A good reputation is better than wealth.
This is similar in its preference for integrity over worldly gains, though it doesn't emphasize obscurity.
“Better obscure and honest than notorious and wicked.”
Meaning: It is better to be an unknown but honest person than to be famous for evil.
“Better no fame than bad fame.” In other words: Being unknown is better than being infamous.
The closest equivalent to this Arabic proverb is:
“Better to be unknown than infamous.”
“It is better to be unknown than to have a bad reputation.”
Or, in a more accurate way:
“Better an honest nobody than a famous rogue.”
“It is better to be an honest nobody than a corrupt celebrity.”

The wine of Abu al-Rawqa' does not intoxicate . خمر أبي الروقاء لست تسكر

خمر أبي الروقاء لست تسكر
يضرب للغني الذي لا فضل له على أحد، ولا إحسان إلى إنسان.
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The wine of Abu al-Rawqa' does not intoxicate you.
This is said of a rich man who has no favor to anyone, nor any kindness to anyone.
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المثل «خمرُ أبي الرَّوقاءِ لستَ تُسكِر» يُضرب للرجل الغني الذي يملك المال، لكن لا ينتفع به أحد؛ فهو كخمرٍ لا تُسكر، موجودة في الاسم لكنها عديمة الأثر.
فالمعنى ليس مجرد البخل، بل امتلاك الشيء مع انعدام فائدته للناس.
وأقرب المقابلات الإنجليزية هي: Good for nothing.
إذا أُريد أنه لا نفع فيه.
As useless as a chocolate teapot.
«عديم الفائدة تمامًا.» (مثل إنجليزي مشهور).
He has wealth, but it does no one any good.
«لديه ثروة، لكنها لا تنفع أحدًا.» (وهو الأقرب إلى المعنى).
His wealth is of no benefit to anyone.
«ثروته لا تعود بالنفع على أحد.»
ولا يوجد في الإنجليزية مثل شائع يطابق هذا المثل تمامًا، لأن الصورة العربية خاصة. لذلك إذا كنت تبحث عن مثل لا عن ترجمة، فأقربه من حيث الفكرة هو:
A tree is known by its fruit.
أي إن قيمة الشيء بما يثمره وينفع به، لا بمجرد وجوده، وإن كان لا يطابق المثل العربي تمامًا.
وأرى أن أفضل مقابل لهذا المثل في كتاب أمثال هو:
His wealth is of no benefit to anyone.
أو
He has plenty, but shares nothing.
وهما ينقلان المعنى الذي ذكره الشارح بدقة: غني لا فضل له على أحد ولا إحسان إلى إنسان.
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The proverb "Abu al-Rawqa's wine does not intoxicate" is used to describe a wealthy man who possesses money, but no one benefits from it. It is like wine that does not intoxicate; the name is imperceptible, but it has no effect.
The meaning is not simply about stinginess, but about possessing something that is of no use to others.
The closest English equivalents are:
Good for nothing.
If the intention is that it is useless.
As useless as a chocolate teapot.
Completely useless. (A well-known English proverb).
He has wealth, but it does no one any good.
He has wealth, but it is of no benefit to anyone. (This is the closest to the meaning).
His wealth is of no benefit to anyone.
There is no common English proverb that perfectly matches this one, as the Arabic expression is unique. Therefore, if you are looking for a proverb rather than a translation, the closest in terms of concept is:
A tree is known by its fruit.
That is, the value of something lies in its productivity and benefit, not merely in its existence, even though this doesn't perfectly align with the Arabic proverb.
I believe the best equivalents for this proverb in the book of proverbs are:
"His wealth is of no benefit to anyone."
Or:
"He has plenty, but shares nothing."
These accurately convey the meaning mentioned by the commentator: a wealthy person who has no favor to bestow upon anyone and no kindness to anyone.

The Gazbaz is more fertile. الخازباز أخصب

الخازباز أخصب
هذا ذباب يظهر في الربيع فيدل على خصب السنة قال ابن أحمر يصف روضة :
تكسر فوقها القلع السواري ... وجن الخازباز بها جنونا
ويروى " تفقأ " والمجنون من الشجر والعشب : ما طال طولا شديدا فإذا صار كذلك قيل : جن جنونا قال المرقش :
حتى إذا ما الأرض زينها الن ... بت ( النبت ) وجن روضها وأكم
والخازباز : مبني على الكسر
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The Gazbaz is more fertile
This fly appears in the spring, indicating the year's fertility. Ibn Ahmar said, describing a meadow:
The towering fortresses were broken above it... and the fertile fly went mad there. It is also narrated as "tafaqa'a." The mad one among trees and grasses is that which grows very tall. When it reaches that height, it is said to have gone mad. Al-Murqash said:
Until the earth was adorned by the vegetation, and its meadows and hills became lush and green. The word "khazbaz" is built on the vowel "i" (kasra).
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المثل العربي «الخازبازُ أخصب» يُقال عند ظهور الخازباز، وهو ذباب صغير يظهر في الربيع، وكانت العرب تتفاءل بظهوره وتعده علامة على خصب السنة وكثرة النبات. فصار المثل يُضرب للدلالة على وجود أمارات الخير والرخاء.
ولا يوجد في الإنجليزية مثل يذكر هذا الذباب بعينه، لكن توجد أمثال تؤدي المعنى نفسه، منها: One swallow does not make a summer.
«سنونوة واحدة لا تصنع الصيف.»
وهو يذكر علامة موسمية، لكنه يحذر من التسرع في الاستبشار.
A good beginning makes a good ending.
«البداية الطيبة تبشر بنهاية طيبة.»
Signs of spring are signs of plenty.
«علامات الربيع علامات الوفرة.»
وهو تعبير وصفي قريب من المعنى.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
«لكل سحابة جانب مضيء.»
أي أن بوادر الخير قد تظهر في صورة علامات صغيرة.
وأقرب مقابل للمثل العربي من حيث التفاؤل بظهور أمارات الخصب والرخاء هو:
Signs of spring are signs of plenty.
أو بصيغة أقرب إلى روح المثل:
The signs are good for a fruitful year.
«العلامات تبشر بسنة خصبة.»
فكما كانت العرب تتفاءل بظهور الخازباز، ينظر الإنجليز إلى بعض الظواهر الطبيعية بوصفها بشائر لموسم وفير أو زمن حسن.
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The Arabic proverb "The khazbaz is fertile" is said when the khazbaz, a small fly that appears in spring, is seen. Arabs considered its appearance a good omen, a sign of a fertile year and abundant vegetation. The proverb then came to be used to indicate the presence of signs of good fortune and prosperity.
While there is no specific English proverb that mentions this fly, there are others that convey the same meaning, such as:
"One swallow does not make a summer."
This proverb mentions a seasonal sign but cautions against premature optimism.
"A good beginning makes a good ending."
"Signs of spring are signs of plenty."
This is a descriptive expression close in meaning.
"Every cloud has a silver lining."
This means that signs of good fortune may appear in small ways.
The closest equivalent to the Arabic proverb, in terms of its optimism regarding the appearance of signs of fertility and prosperity, is:
"Signs of spring are signs of plenty."
Or, in a form closer to the spirit of the proverb:
"The signs are good for a fruitful year."
"The signs herald a fertile year."
Just as the Arabs were optimistic about the appearance of the locusts, the English view certain natural phenomena as harbingers of a bountiful season or a favorable time.

The best provision is that which suffices, and the best remembrance is that which is done secretly. خير الرزق ما يكفي وخير الذكر الخفي

خير الرزق ما يكفي وخير الذكر الخفي
خير الرزق ما يكفي وخير الذكر الخفي
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The best provision is that which suffices, and the best remembrance is that which is done in secret.
The best provision is that which suffices, and the best remembrance is that which is done in secret.
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القول «خيرُ الرزقِ ما يكفي، وخيرُ الذكرِ الخفي» يجمع بين معنيين: أن أفضل الرزق ما يسد الحاجة دون إسراف أو تكلف.
وأن أفضل الذكر ما كان خالصًا لله، بعيدًا عن الرياء والسمعة.
ولا يوجد مثل إنجليزي واحد يجمع المعنيين، لكن توجد مقابلات قريبة:
في الشطر الأول: «خير الرزق ما يكفي» Enough is as good as a feast.
«الكفاية تعدل الوليمة.»
وهو أشهر مثل إنجليزي في القناعة والاكتفاء.
He who knows enough is enough will always have enough.
«من عرف أن الكفاية كافية فلن يفتقر.»
في الشطر الثاني: «خير الذكر الخفي» Good deeds shine in a dark place.
«الأعمال الصالحة تضيء ولو في الخفاء.»
Do good and throw it into the sea. (مقابل شائع في ثقافات أخرى، لا إنجليزي أصيل)
True devotion needs no audience.
«الإخلاص الصادق لا يحتاج إلى جمهور.»
وأقرب صياغة إنجليزية جامعة للمعنى هي:
Enough is as good as a feast, and true devotion needs no audience.
أي:
«الكفاية خير من الوفرة، والإخلاص الحق لا يحتاج إلى شهرة أو استعراض.»
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The saying, “The best provision is that which suffices, and the best remembrance is that which is done in secret,” encompasses two meanings:
That the best provision is that which satisfies one's needs without extravagance or excess.
And that the best remembrance is that which is done purely for God, far removed from hypocrisy and the desire for praise.
There isn't a single English proverb that perfectly captures both meanings, but there are some similar equivalents:
In the first part: “The best provision is that which suffices.”
Enough is as good as a feast.
This is the most famous English proverb about contentment and sufficiency.
He who knows enough is enough will always have enough.
In the second part: “The best remembrance is that which is done in secret.”
Good deeds shine in a dark place.
Do good and throw it into the sea. (This is a common equivalent in other cultures, not native English.)
True devotion needs no audience.
True devotion needs no audience. The closest and most comprehensive English phrasing of the meaning is:
Enough is as good as a feast, and true devotion needs no audience.
That is:
"Sufficient is better than abundant, and true devotion needs no publicity or display."

The one who guides to good is like the one who does it. الدَّالَّ عَلَى الْخَيْرِ كَفَاعله.

الدَّالَّ عَلَى الْخَيْرِ كَفَاعله.
هذا يورى في حديث عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، وقال المفضل: أولُ مَنْ قاله اللُّجَيْجُ بن شُنَيف اليربوعي في قصة طويلة ذكرها في كتابه الفاخر
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The one who guides to good is like the one who does it.
This is mentioned in a hadith from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Al-Mufaddal said: The first to say it was Al-Lujayj ibn Shunayf Al-Yarbu'i in a long story he mentioned in his book, Al-Fakhir.
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التعبير العربي «الدالُّ على الخير كفاعله» معناه أن من يرشد إلى عمل صالح أو يتسبب فيه ينال مثل أجر فاعله.
وأقرب المقابلات الإنجليزية: He who helps others do good shares in the reward.
من يعين غيره على فعل الخير يشارك في الأجر.
The one who points the way to good is as one who does it.
من يدل على الخير فكأنه فعله. ← ترجمة مباشرة.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
الشمعة لا تخسر شيئًا عندما تشعل شمعة أخرى.
ويُستعمل للدلالة على أن نشر الخير والمعرفة لا ينقص صاحبه.
Good begets good.
الخير يولِّد الخير.
Those who inspire good deeds share in their fruits.
من يلهم الأعمال الصالحة يشارك في ثمارها.
فإذا كنت تبحث عن مقابل مثلٍ أو حكمةٍ مأثورة في الإنجليزية، فأقربها هو:
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
أما إذا أُريد نقل المعنى بدقة، فالأفضل:
The one who points the way to good is as one who does it
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The Arabic expression "The one who guides to good is like the one who does it" means that whoever guides others to a good deed or causes it to happen receives a reward equal to that of the one who performs it.
The closest English equivalents are:
He who helps others do good shares in the reward.
The one who points the way to good is as one who does it.
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
This is used to indicate that spreading goodness and knowledge does not diminish the one who does it.
Good begets good.
Those who inspire good deeds share in their fruits.
So, if you are looking for an English equivalent for this proverb or saying, the closest is:
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
However, if the meaning is to be conveyed accurately, the best approach is:
The one who points the way to good is as one who does it.

His wealth has vanished like scattered rays. ذَهَبَ مَالُهُ شَعَاعِ‏.‏

The word is built on the vowel "i" (kasrah), like "qatam," meaning scattered. The poet said
ayd squandered his wealth, so that his inherited and new possessions became like scattered rays.
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This proverb is used to describe someone who has no lineage or history of good deeds or glory, from whom no favor or loyalty can be expected. A close English equivalent is:
A tree without roots bears no fruit.”
Meaning: A tree without roots bears no fruit.This is very close in meaning to the absence of origin and antiquity.“Nothing good comes from nowhere.”
eaning: Goodness does not come from someone without origin or history.
“He comes from no stock.”
Meaning: He has no lineage or respectable ancestry.This is sometimes used disparagingly.
“Without roots, there is no growth.”
Meaning: Without roots, there is no growth or good
“No past, no promise.”
Meaning: Someone with no past cannot have a future.
This is closer to the spirit of wisdom in the proverb.
The closest expression to the meaning of the Arabic proverb is:
“A tree without roots bears no fruit.”
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مبني على الكسر مثل قَطَام، أي - متفرقاً، قال الشاعر‏:‏

أغلّ بِمَالِهِ زيدٌ فأضْحَى * وَتَالِدُهُ وَطَارِفُةُ شَعَاعِ

Their wind is southerly. ريحهما جنوب

This proverb is used for those who are on good terms; if their relationship sours, it is said: their wind has turned southerly. And he said:

By my life, if the wind of affection has become northerly, it has changed from southerly.

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The Arabic proverb "Their wind is from the south" is used to describe two people who are on good terms and in harmony, because the south wind was considered gentle and pleasant by the Arabs. Thus, the proverb became a metaphor for affection, friendship, and good agreement.

The closest English equivalents are:

They get along well.

They are on good terms.

They are as thick as thieves. This is said to describe a very close and intimate relationship.

There is no bad blood between them.

If the intended meaning is closer to the image of a pleasant wind and harmony, the closest equivalents are:

Their relationship is smooth sailing.

However, when a relationship deteriorates, the expression "Their wind has turned sour" is equivalent to:

Things have turned sour between them.

Their friendship has cooled.

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يضرب للمتصافيين، فإذا تكدر حالهما قيل: شملت ريحهما، وقال:
لعمري لئن ريح المودة         أصبحت شمالا لقد بدلت وهي جنوب

A bad son from a noble family. أصوص عليها صوص

 "Asus 'alayha asus" (أصوص عليه صوص). "Al-asus" (الأصوص) refers to a fat, barren she-camel, and "as-suus" (الصوص) means a mean, ignoble person. The poet said: "I found you to be like thieves when darkness falls, and cowards at the first light of dawn."

This proverb is used to describe a noble lineage from which a mean offspring emerges. The singular and plural forms of "asus" are the same.

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The Arabic proverb "أصوص عليها صوص" (a small bird with a small tuft) is used when someone of noble and generous lineage produces a mean or despicable offspring; meaning that good lineage does not guarantee good character.

A similar English equivalent is:

"A rotten apple from a good tree."

Or:

"A bad son from a noble family."

Another English proverb with a similar meaning is:

"A black sheep of the family."

This is said of someone who deviates from the norm in their behavior compared to good family members.

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 الأصوص، الناقة الحائل السمينة، والصوص، اللئيم. قال الشاعر:

فألفيتكم صوصاً لصوصاً... إذا دجا الظلام وهيابين عند البوارق.

يضرب، للأصل الكريم، يظهر منه فرع لئيم، ويستوي في الصوص الواحد والجمع.

The first offspring of a camel. --أول الصيد فرع

 The first offspring, the first calf born to a she-camel, was sacrificed to their gods as a blessing. A man would say, "When my camels reach such a number, I will sacrifice the first offspring." When they intended to sacrifice it, they would adorn and dress it. Thus, Aws said, describing a severe cold spell: "The general cold of the people resembled a young camel, adorned and dressed."

Abu Umar said: This proverb is used when one sees the first good fortune in crops, livestock, or any other benefit. It is also narrated, "The first offspring of a camel and its first sacrifice," because they would send the first thing they caught as a good omen. Another narration states, "The first offspring of a camel," meaning the first thing whose blood was shed. The phrase "The first offspring of a camel" is used to describe someone from whom no good had been seen before this action.

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The closest English equivalents, depending on the context, are:

A good beginning makes a good ending.

Well begun is half done.

This is one of the most well-known proverbs.

The first fruits.

This refers to the first fruits or the first good things, and it is very close to the origin of the Arabic proverb.

This is a promising start.

Every journey begins with a single step.

If the intention is that the first success is the beginning of what follows.

However, if it is used in the sense mentioned at the end of the explanation—that is, the first good thing seen from someone—the closest expression is:

That’s the first good thing we’ve seen from him.

Or:

A promising first sign.

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الفرع، أول ولد تنتجه الناقة، كانوا يذبحونه لآلهتهم يتبركون بذلك وكان الرجل يقول: إذا تمت إبلي كذا نحرت أول نتيج منها، وكانوا إذا أرادوا نحره زينوه وألبسوه. ولذلك قال أوس يذكر أزمة في شدة البرد:

شبه الهيدب العام من الأقوام سقبا مجللاً فرعا

قال أبو عمر: ويضرب عند أول ما يرى من خير في زرع أو ضرع وفي جميع المنافع. ويروى، أول الصيد فرع ونصاب؛ وذلك أنهم يرسلون أول شيء يصيدونه يتيمنون به. ويروى، أول صيد فرعه أي أراق دمه، وأول رفع على تقدير هو أو هذا أول صيد فرعه. يضرب لمن لم ير منه خير قبل فعلته هذه.

 

Among the things that spring brings forth are those that kill by bloating or wounding --- إن مما ينبت الربيع ما يقتل حبطاً أو يلم

 The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) described the nature of this world and urged people to take little from it, warning of its potential for ruin. He said, "The swelling of the stomach occurs when camels eat dung, causing their stomachs to swell if they consume too much of it. The word 'burden' is in the accusative case, indicating specification. His statement 'or nearly kills' means 'kills' or 'comes close to killing.' 'Al-Ilmam' means 'descending' or 'approaching.' This is related to the hadith describing the people of Paradise: 'Were it not for something decreed by God, he would have been nearly blinded by what he sees therein.' Al-Azhari said: 'This hadith means that some things that grow, if cut, are almost incomprehensible. The beginning of the hadith is: I fear for you after my death what will be opened up to you of the allurements and adornments of this world.' A man asked, 'Does good bring evil, O Messenger of God?' The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, 'Good does not bring evil. Among the things that grow in springtime are some that kill or nearly kill, except for the herbivore. It eats until its flanks are full, then faces the sun, defecates, urinates, and grazes.' This is the complete hadith. He said, “In this hadith there are two parables: one for the one who is excessive in accumulating worldly possessions and withholding what is due from him, and the other for the one who is moderate in acquiring and benefiting from them. As for his saying, ‘And among the things that spring brings forth are some that kill by bloating or cause injury,’ it is like the one who is excessive in acquiring them unjustly. This is because spring brings forth the finest grasses, and livestock eat so much of them that their bellies swell beyond their capacity, causing their intestines to rupture and them to perish. Likewise, the one who accumulates worldly possessions unlawfully and withholds what is due to him will perish in the Hereafter by entering Hellfire.” As for the example of the moderate person, it is the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, “Beware of the vegetable-eaters,” as he described them, because the vegetables are not from the free-growing legumes that spring grows, but rather from the shrubs that livestock graze on after the legumes have dried up. So the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, gave the example of the vegetable-eaters from livestock for the one who is moderate in taking and accumulating the world and is not driven by greed to take it without right, so he is saved from its harm as the vegetable-eater is saved. Do you not see that he, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “For when it eats from the vegetables, it faces the sun and defecates and urinates.” He meant that when it is full of them, it kneels facing the sun to digest what it has eaten, and it ruminates and defecates. So when it defecates, the bloating is removed from it. Livestock only bloats because they do not defecate or urinate. This is used to prohibit excess.

AI said  

A"Too much of a good thing can be bad."

➜ Too much of a good thing can become harmful (closest direct meaning).

"Everything in moderation."

➜ Moderation in everything.

"Excess of anything is harmful."

➜ Excess of anything is harmful.

And the most accurate equivalent in spirit and meaning is:

👉 "Too much of a good thing can be bad." 

 

قال عليه الصلاة والسلام في صفة الدنيا والحث على قلة الأخذ منها والحبط "انتفاخ البطن وهو أن تأكل الإبل الذرق فتنتفخ بطونها إذا أكثرت منه. ونصب حبطاً على التمييز. وقوله أويلم معناه يقتل أو يقرب من القتل والإلمام النزول والإلمام القرب ومنه الحديث في صفة أهل الجنة لولا إنه شيء قضاه الله لألم أن يذهب بصره لما يرى فيها أي لقرب أن يذهب بصره قال الأزهري: هذا الخبر يعني إن مما ينبت إذا بتر لم يكد يفهم وأول الحديث أني أخاف عليكم بعدي ما يفتح عليكم من زهرة الدنيا وزينتها. فقال رجل أو يأتي الخير بالشر يا رسول الله? فقال عليه الصلاة والسلام: إنه لا يأتي الخير بالشر وإن مما ينبت الربيع ما يقتل حبطاً أو يلم إلا آكلة الخضر فإنها أكلت حتى إذا امتلأت خاصرتاها استقبلت عين الشمس فثلطت وبالت ثم رتعته". هذا تمام الحديث. قال وفي هذا الحديث مثلان أحدهما للمفرط في جمع الدنيا وفي منعها من حقها والآخر للمقتصد في أخذها والانتفاع بها. فأما قوله وإن مما ينبت الربيع ما يقتل حبطاً أو يلم فهو مثل المفرط الذي يأخذها بغير حق وذلك أن الربيع ينبت أحرار العشب فتستكثر منها الماشية حتى تنتفخ بطونها إذا جاوزت حد الاحتمال فتنشق أمعاؤها وتهلك، كذلك الذي يجمع الدنيا من غير حلها ويمنع ذا الحق حقه يهلك في الآخرة بدخوله النار. وأما مثل المقتصد فقوله صلى الله عليه وسلم "ألا آكلة الخضر بما وصفها به وذلك أن الخضر ليست من أحرار البقول التي ينبتها الربيع ولكنها من الجنبة التي ترعاها المواشي بعد هيج البقول" فضرب صلى الله عليه وسلم آكلة الخضر من المواشي مثلاً لمن يقتصد في أخذ الدنيا وجمعها ولا يحمله الحرص على أخذها بغير حقها فهو ينجو من وبالها كما نجت آكلة الخضر، ألا تراه قال عليه الصلاة والسلام "فإنها إذا أصابت من الخضر استقبلت عين الشمس فثلطت وبالت" أراد أنها إذا شبعت منها بركت مستقبلة الشمس تستمرئ بذلك ما أكلت وتجتر وتثلط فإذا ثلطته فقد زال عنها الحبط وإنما تحبط الماشية لأنها لا تثلط ولا تبول يضرب في النهي عن الإفراط.