Kuwait Proverbs (10)

“Two captains sank the ship.”

When two people try to lead the same effort at once, conflicting decisions cause it to fail — an endeavor needs a single, clear leader.

“He used sails and oars on us.”

Describes someone who pursued a goal with every possible means at once — both planning (the sail) and hard labor (the oar) — leaving nothing to chance.

قال عندك تاكل؟ قال لأ. قال عندك تغرم؟ قال إي

“Do you have money to eat? No. Do you have money to waste? Yes.”

A sharp commentary on misplaced priorities — people who claim they cannot afford essentials yet always find money for wasteful spending.

خبز خبزتيه يا الرفلة، اكليه

“The bread you baked, oh careless one, eat it.”

You must live with the results of your own actions and choices — a call to accountability and personal responsibility.

“Full grain plants bow humbly, while the empty ones raise their heads proudly.”

People of real substance and achievement tend to stay humble, while those with nothing to show for themselves boast the loudest.

“Movement has good fortune in it, and good luck needs a jump.”

Opportunity favors those who take action — sitting still rarely brings good fortune, so one must move to seize it.

“If the dog has what you need, say "hi doggy."”

Practical wisdom about swallowing pride and staying courteous toward whoever holds what you need, regardless of their standing.

“On top of his ugliness, he is brazen.”

Expresses disdain for someone who acts arrogant or shameless despite having every reason for humility — audacity without merit.

“The midday donkey is loose — stay inside, or it will find you.”

A folk figure once invoked by Kuwaiti parents to keep children from playing outdoors during the fiercest heat of midday; the phrase lives on as a warning against needless exposure to danger.

“Like the saqawa bird — here for a season, gone before it lays an egg.”

Describes someone who passes briefly through a place, job, or relationship and leaves nothing lasting behind, likened to a migratory bird that visits Kuwait only briefly each year without nesting.