«عَصْبَهْ حَرِيرْ عَلَى غَطَا زِيرْ»

The saying pictures a splendid silk 'asba, a striped, brightly colored, fringed head covering, laid over the lid of a zir, a humble earthenware water jar. The fine cloth dresses up an ordinary household object, yet the jar itself is unchanged, so the beauty belongs entirely to the wrapping.

Applied to people, it mocks someone who wears luxurious clothing they do not merit. The outfit lends them an imposing look, but the observer is meant to see that behind the impressive surface there is no real worth or substance.

Said mockingly of someone in rich, showy clothing that seems out of keeping with their merit, implying the elegance is surface only. It is disparaging and pointed, so aiming it at a specific person can easily offend; it suits informal talk, not polite company.