A lowly man sought refuge in a *qarmala* shrub. ذَلِيلٌ عَاذ بِقَرْمَلَةٍ‏.‏

Al-Asma'i said: *Qarmala* is a weak shrub with no leaves. Jarir said:
When Al-Farazdaq sought refuge with his maternal uncle, he was like a lowly man seeking refuge amidst a *qarmala* shrub.
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The proverb “A weakling sought refuge in a thorn bush” is used to describe someone who relies on someone weaker than themselves, or seeks protection from someone who cannot protect themselves. A thorn bush is a weak tree that offers no shade or shelter.
Some of the closest English equivalents are:
“The blind leading the blind.”
This is said when someone incapable depends on another incapable person.
“Seeking shelter under a leaf.”
This is an uncommon expression, but very close to the proverb's rhetorical image.
“Leaning on a broken reed.”
This is one of the most common English expressions for someone who relies on unreliable support.
“Looking for help in all the wrong places.”
This means seeking help from someone who cannot provide it.
The closest equivalent to the Arabic proverb is:
“Leaning on a broken reed.”
"It rests on a weak and unreliable foundation."
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قال الأصمعي‏:‏ القَرْمَلَة شجيرة ضعيفة لا وَرَق لها، قال جرير‏:‏
كَانَ الفرزدقُ حين عَاذَ بِخَالِهِ * مثلَ الذليلِ يَعُوذُ وَسْطَ الْقَرْمَلِ

The weakling is he whom the hyrax eats. الذَّلِيلُ مَنْ تَأْكُلُهُ الوَبْراءُ‏.‏

  They said: The hyrax is the vulture, and it is foolish and weak, and by its fur they meant its feathers.This proverb is used to describe someone so weak and vulnerable that even the smallest, most insignificant 

things can harm them. A similar English equivalent ------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Even the weak prey on him.”
Meaning: Even the weak prey on him.
“He is everyone’s victim.”
Meaning: He has become everyone’s victim.
“So weak that even flies trouble him.”
Meaning: He is so weak that even the smallest things can harm him
This is very close in meaning to the proverb.
“The weakest become bold against the helpless.”
Meaning: Even the weak take advantage of the helpless.
“A dead lion is mocked by dogs.”
Meaning: If the strong are weak, the weak will dare to attack them.
This is close in meaning, though more vividly illustrated.
The closest expression to the spirit of the Arabic proverb is:

“Even the weak take advantage of him.”
“Even the weak take advantage of him and attack him.”
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قالوا‏:‏ الوَبْرَاء الرخَمة، وهي تُحَمَّق وتضعف، وأرادوا بوبرها ريشَها‏

The fly of a sword, its flesh is broken. ذُبَابُ سَيْفٍ لَحْمُهُ الْوَقَائِصُ

The broken-necked animal. This proverb is used to describe someone who has wealth and abundance but is stingy with his family, or someone with power and strength who only challenges the weak and submissive.
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This meaning can be found in several English proverbs or expressions, depending on the aspect of the Arabic proverb being intended:
“A bully preys on the weak.”
Meaning: A bully only preys on the weak.
This is closer to the meaning: He only challenges the weak and submissive.
“He bites only where he is safe.”
Meaning: He only shows his strength where he is not in danger.
This expression is close in meaning, though not a very well-known proverb.
“Strong against the weak, weak against the strong.”
Meaning: Strong against the weak, weak before the strong.
This accurately reflects the spirit of the Arabic proverb.
As for the aspect of stinginess despite having money and resources, it is contrasted with:

“Penny-wise and pound-foolish.”

This is said of someone who is excessively miserly in a reprehensible way.
“He keeps a tight purse.”
Meaning: Extremely stingy despite his financial means.
The closest and most comprehensive equivalent to the spirit of the entire proverb is:
“He is brave only among the weak.

” "Only brave among the weak."

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الوَقيصة : المكسورة العُنُقِ من الدوابّ . يضرب لمن له مال وسَعَة وهو مُقَتِّر على عياله ولمن قدرة وقوة فهو لا ينازع إلا ضعيفا ذليلا