«فُوتْ عَلَى عَدُوَّكْ جِيعَانْ وَلَا تْفُوتْ عَلِيهْ عِرْيَانْ»

An empty stomach stays hidden, but shabby, poorly clothed dress is plain to anyone who looks. The saying advises putting outward presentation first when crossing paths with hostile people, not when visiting them. Private suffering can be endured quietly, while visible signs of want give an adversary something to mock or exploit.

More broadly, it teaches guarding one's dignity before those who wish one harm. Better to sacrifice a hidden need than show weakness in public. Keeping up a respectable appearance denies enemies the satisfaction of gloating and protects one's standing, even when circumstances are genuinely hard.

Fits situations where someone faces hardship but should not let rivals see it. It can advise looking composed and respectable when passing ill-wishers, even at private cost. Saying it to someone openly struggling could sound dismissive.