- English translation
Stature may match stature, but the sky stands high, and no one can reach up to it.
- Literal wording
The stature is the size of the stature, and the sky is high; nobody reaches it.
- Meaning and lesson
Two people can share the same height, figure, and outward appearance, yet that resemblance says nothing about their true worth. Physical likeness is easy to see, while standing and merit are of another order entirely and cannot be judged by matching bodies.
The image of the lofty sky drives home the distance: just as nobody can stretch up and touch the heavens, the lesser party cannot reach the other's level by pointing to surface similarity. It rebukes presumption and puts the boastful person firmly back in place.
- When it is used
Traditionally said as a retort when someone of lesser standing treats himself as the equal of a person ranked far above him, insisting that physical likeness does not close the gap in rank or worth. It is a cutting put-down, so aiming it at someone risks real offense.
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- Colloquial Arabic
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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