«زَيِّ الْخَرُّوبْ قِنْطَارْ خَشَبْ عَلَى دَرْهِمْ سُكَّرْ»

The saying takes aim at things that are large and heavy yet yield very little value. Like a carob pod, mostly tough woody husk with only a little sweet pulp, the target offers great bulk for a meager reward. The qintar and dirham, a heavy and a tiny traditional weight, mark a contrast of scale, not an exact ratio.

In a broader sense, it warns against judging worth by size or appearance. Something can take up space, demand effort, or look substantial while its real usefulness stays tiny, so the proverb invites the listener to weigh benefit against burden.

Use it to mock or lament something whose size, cost, or show far exceeds its benefit, such as a bulky purchase or an inflated project. The tone is wry and critical, suited to casual talk; aimed at a person who contributes little, it is disparaging and can sound insulting.