“We do not surrender — we win, or we die.”
Widely attributed as Omar al-Mukhtar's defiant last words before his execution, refusing to surrender despite certain death.
— Omar al-Mukhtar, Libya
Source: Attributed last words of Omar al-Mukhtar before his execution by Italian colonial forces, 16 September 1931; widely documented in historical and journalistic accounts (Wikiquote, BBC News, Libyan Heritage House archive)
More Proverbs from Libya
The absentee has his own justification.
Do not blame someone who is absent — they may have a reason you do not yet know.
Stretch your legs according to the length of your coverlet.
Live within your means; do not spend or want beyond what you actually have.
They sell the monkey and laugh at the one who bought it.
Describes dishonest dealers who profit by tricking a gullible buyer.
The flute player dies with his finger still shaking on the flute.
A lifelong passion or habit stays with a person until their very last moment.
Each one brings the fire closest to his own bread.
People naturally look after their own interests first.
If the sun starts to lean west, go and find yourself a shady tree.
Prepare ahead of time for changing circumstances instead of waiting for hardship to arrive.