Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-28
Meaning: Verified- English translation
Put clothes on a bare stalk and it will pass for a bride.
- Literal wording
Dress the reed, it becomes a bride.
- Meaning and lesson
The image is of a plain cane or stalk, about the most ordinary thing imaginable, which once wrapped in garments and finery can look as striking as a bride on her wedding day.
As a general lesson, the proverb holds that attire and decoration can make something unattractive look beautiful, so a great deal of what we see as appearance comes from what is put on.
- When it is used
Suitable when a person or object looks strikingly improved after being dressed, decorated, or groomed, as a remark that fine attire and ornament can make even an unpromising subject appear lovely.
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- Colloquial proverb
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How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Put clothes on a bare stalk and it will pass for a bride.