- English translation
His backside is bare, yet he wears a knife in his belt.
- Literal wording
Bare in the rump, and in his belt a knife.
- Meaning and lesson
The image is of a man too poor to own clothes that cover his body, his rump left bare, who still thrusts a knife into his belt so he will look formidable and brave. The saying ridicules anyone who puts on airs far above his true standing or means.
In Arabic the two halves rhyme on tīna and sikkīna, sharpening the jab at a show of bravery and standing that the man's own poverty exposes as empty.
- When it is used
Aimed at someone who flaunts power, courage, or status he plainly lacks, especially when his real circumstances are visibly poor. It is a jibe at a person, not neutral advice; its coarse bodily imagery suits teasing or scorn among familiar speakers, not polite or formal settings.
- Historical period
- Pre-modern; an old colloquial saying
- Register
- Colloquial Arabic; mocking, mildly crude
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: His backside is bare, yet he wears a knife in his belt.