Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-27
Meaning: Verified- English translation
A worm tried to copy a snake and tore itself apart.
- Literal wording
The worm came to imitate the snake; it stretched itself and then split apart.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying targets a foolish person who sets out to make himself the equal of someone ranked above him, only to bring injury upon himself through that very ambition.
In the image, a small worm strains to reach the length of a snake and breaks into pieces. The attempt to measure up to the superior creature is exactly what destroys the imitator.
- When it is used
Say this of someone who foolishly tries to put himself on the same footing as a person above him and ends up suffering for the effort. It serves as a pointed, critical remark about a self-defeating attempt to rival one's betters.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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