«اِلْبَحْرْ مَا يِتْعَكَّرْشْ مِنْ تِرْعَهْ»

A person of real stature need not be unsettled by insults or provocations from someone regarded as petty or insignificant. The saying presents such attacks as too slight to disturb the dignity and composure of the greater person.

It can also counsel restraint when a minor affront is directed at an important matter or respected figure. Historically, however, its image ranks people by importance; it should not be taken to endorse contempt or fixed social hierarchies.

Used to minimize an attempt to offend, challenge, or provoke someone of greater standing, and to advise against magnifying it. It may comfort the target or urge composure, but can sound dismissive or contemptuous because it characterizes another person as insignificant.