Proverb: haamuur; ma ydkhil wala ykhalli ‘is-semach ydkhiluun
Literal meaning: A hammour; he neither enters nor does he allow other fish to come in.
Gist: Hamour is a kind of fish widely available in the waters of the Gulf. Due to its medium to large size, this fish is known for waiting at the opening ofا‘il-garguur (traditional fish trap) to either eat or frighten other small fish, preventing them from entering the trap, in order to hunt them.
Proverb: nyuum ‘is-sema ‘agreb lek
Literal meaning: The stars in heaven are closer to you (than getting what you need from me).
Gist: This saying is used as a reply to a ludicrous request that cannot be fulfilled. Also, this proverb can describe a person who refuses to execute someone else’s requests. It is as if that person is saying, “There is no way that I will do what you favour. See the stars of the sky? They are nearer to you than obtaining what you think you will get from me!”
Proverb: maddaah nafsah ybaalah rafsah
Literal meaning: He who praises himself deserves a kick.
Other meaning: Self-praise is no recommendation.
Gist: This proverb is said to urge someone not to brag about oneself or to boast with exaggeration. It is similar to another proverb, ‘maadih nefsah chedh-aab’, which means, ‘He who praises himself is a liar.’
Proverb: min ‘aasher l-goum ‘arbe’iin youm Saar minhem
Literal meaning: He who stays with people for forty days has become one of their number.
Gist: This proverb suggests that a person can be strongly influenced by a society’s customs and behaviour to the extent that he can ultimately fully assimilate [with that community or society].
