Showing posts with label threatens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label threatens. Show all posts

Monday, June 8, 2026

He barked wildly, his backside wet. دَهْوَرَ نَبْحاً واسْتُهُ مُبْتَلَّةٌ.

The barking of a dog: A dog that barks, farts, and defecates out of fear of a lion.
This proverb is used to describe someone who threatens someone stronger and more powerful than himself.

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The proverb "He barked loudly, but his backside was wet" is used to describe someone who displays threats, intimidation, and outward bravery, while in reality, he is fearful and trembling before someone stronger.
There is no exact English equivalent, but the closest English proverbs and expressions in meaning are:
His bark is worse than his bite.
— Said of someone who makes many threats but lacks the ability to carry them out.
All bark and no bite.
— This is the closest equivalent to the Arabic proverb.
Empty vessels make the most noise.
— Said of someone who talks a lot and makes threats without any real power.
Bravado is not bravery.
The best and most common English equivalent is:
All bark and no bite.
Because it portrays a person who threatens and makes promises, but in reality is a coward in the face of someone stronger than him, which is exactly what the Arabic proverb “He barks for ages while his backside is wet” means.

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الدهورة: نُبَاح الكلب من فَرَق الأسد ينبح ويَضْرُط ويَسْلَح خوفاً منه.
يضرب لمن يتوعَّدُ من هو أقوى منه وأمنع

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

The hyena in its solitude is like a lion. الذِّيخُ فِي خَلْوتِهِ مِثْلُ الأَسَدِ‏.‏

 (The hyena: the male of the hyena.) This proverb is used to describe someone who claims to be capable of something when alone but cannot achieve it when challenged in a group; it is similar to the saying, "Every man who runs alone is pleased."
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Some of the closest English proverbs and expressions to this proverb are:
“Every dog ​​is a lion at home.”
Meaning: Every dog ​​becomes a lion in its own den.
Said of someone who is brave in a safe place or when alone.
“A lion at home, a mouse abroad.”
Meaning: A lion at home, but a mouse outside.
This is very close in meaning: Someone who pretends to be brave when alone but is helpless when confronted.
“Big talk, little action.”
Meaning: A lot of talk, little action.
Said of someone who exaggerates but doesn't stand up to the test.
“All bark and no bite.”
Meaning: All bark and no bite.
This is one of the most common sayings of someone who threatens and pretends to be strong without any real ability.
And the closest to the spirit of the Arabic proverb is often:
“A lion at home, a mouse abroad.”
“A lion in his house, a mouse outside.”
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الذِّيخ‏:‏ الذكَرُ من الضِّباع‏.‏
يضرب لمن يَدَّعي منفرداً ما يعجز عنه إذا طُولب به في الجمع، وهذا مثل قولهم ‏"‏كُلُّ مُجْرٍ في الخَلاَء يُسَرُّ‏"

مميزة

She went too far, and lost all sense. ذَهَبَتْ طُولاً، وَعَدِمَتْ مَعْقُولاً‏.‏

ذَهَبَتْ طُولاً، وَعَدِمَتْ مَعْقُولاً‏.‏ She went too far, and lost all sense. -------------------------------------------------- أقرب مقاب...