«زَيِّ جِنْدِي الْمَقَاتَهْ يِخَوِّفْ مِنْ بِعِيدْ»

The image is the 'soldier' of a cucumber or gourd field: a scarecrow, a straw figure dressed like a man and set among the crops to keep birds away. From a distance it can pass for a real guard, and even a person may hesitate. Up close, the illusion collapses into sticks and rags.

Applied to people, the saying targets someone whose outward show makes others wary while they keep their distance. Once anyone engages with them directly, the supposed danger turns out to be empty, and the person proves harmless or quite different from the threatening impression. It mocks hollow intimidation and is not a remark about soldiers.

Use this proverb about a person whose reputation, title, or bluster causes worry until someone actually deals with them and finds little behind it. It works as a wry, deflating remark, and can reassure someone who is anxious about an opponent who only seems formidable.