«اِللِّي يِعْمِلْ نَفْسُهُ نُخَالَهْ تِبَعْتَرُهْ الْفِرَاخْ»

The proverb warns that someone who willingly lowers their own standing or accepts degrading treatment may invite further disrespect. It stresses self-respect and cautions against making oneself an easy target for contempt, while not excusing those who choose to behave contemptuously.

Its image is deliberately homely: chickens kick through bran as they feed. By comparing self-abasement to becoming feed under their feet, the saying suggests that others may treat a person carelessly when that person presents themselves as having little dignity or value.

Use it as a rebuke or caution about repeatedly allowing humiliation, acting needlessly servile, or failing to defend reasonable boundaries. Because it can sound like blame toward a mistreated person, avoid using it to judge anyone facing coercion, abuse, or unequal power.