Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-09-27
Sense: Verified- English translation
Toss him into the sea and he’ll surface with a fish to show for it.
- Literal wording
Throw him into the sea; he comes up with a fish in his mouth.
- Meaning and lesson
An eager opportunist finds a way to gain something from almost any situation.
- When it is used
Used of someone who manages to come away with a benefit even when the circumstances seem unpromising.
- Register
- Colloquial
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Toss him into the sea and he’ll surface with a fish to show for it.