«كُل حَي يِلْبِسْ مِنْ سَنْدُوقُهْ»

A person can only show the world what they actually possess within. The chest (sandūq) is a clothing trunk: just as someone can only put on clothes already kept in their own chest, their conduct, speech and bearing draw on their inner character, so outward behaviour is taken as a sign of what lies inside.

The saying works as a verdict on a person's nature rather than on a single act: whether someone proves generous or mean, what surfaces in their words and manners is understood as drawn from what they already hold.

Use it when someone's words, manners or actions seem to expose their true nature, whether generous or mean. It suits remarks about character being revealed through behaviour, and works as a mild verdict on a person rather than on a single act.