Toss him into the sea and he’ll…

Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-09-27

Meaning: Verified

English translation: Toss him into the sea and he’ll surface with a fish to show for it.
Literal wording: Throw him into the sea; he comes up with a fish in his mouth.

Meaning and lesson: An eager opportunist finds a way to gain something from almost any situation.
When it is used: Used of someone who manages to come away with a benefit even when the circumstances seem unpromising.

Register: Colloquial

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PROVERB (ARABIC)
«اِرْمِيهِ الْبَحْرْ يِطْلَعْ وفي بُقُّهْ سَمَكَهْ»
Literal translation: Throw him into the sea; he comes up with a fish in his mouth.
Natural translation: Toss him into the sea and he’ll surface with a fish to show for it.
Meaning: An eager opportunist finds a way to gain something from almost any situation.
Used when: Used of someone who manages to come away with a benefit even when the circumstances seem unpromising.

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Review state: Verified
Last reviewed: 2026-09-27
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