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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