«كِتِيرِ النَّط قَلِيلِ الصِّيدْ»

The saying paints a picture of a hunter who bounds here and there yet comes home with almost nothing, contrasting a great deal of motion with a meager haul. The energy spent is plain to see, but it yields very little of value.

As a judgment, it criticizes effort that is scattered or merely for show rather than effective. It suggests that steady, purposeful action yields more than restless commotion, and that appearing busy should not be mistaken for being productive.

Use it to deflate someone whose visible commotion far exceeds what they accomplish, such as a worker who stays busy but delivers little. It is mildly mocking, suited to informal remarks among familiar people.