«أَمِيرْ وِعَاقِلْ لَا يْهِش وَلَا يْنِش»

The saying is sarcastic, not complimentary. It portrays someone who appears dignified, important, or composed but remains utterly inactive when even the smallest response is called for.

Its image is of not even making the minimal gestures used to drive away animals or insects. It is applied to someone seen as unable or unwilling to resist being overpowered or disregarded, without endorsing that judgment as an inherent trait.

Use it as a cutting rebuke for a passive person who stands by without acting. Its mock praise makes it sharper than a plain accusation of laziness or weakness, and it may be offensive in direct address or when it repeats assumptions about courage or status.