«لَابِطِ الْبَدَوِي وَلَا تْجَارِيهْ»

The saying recommends picking the kind of contest rather than simply avoiding a rival. Come to close grips with an opponent where you can overpower him, but never agree to compete in the area where his special talent puts you at a sure disadvantage.

Its image draws on a traditional, stereotyped view of Bedouins as famously fast runners, a figure of speech rather than a fact about any group. Such a man might be beaten in a wrestling hold, yet a racer would lose. Broadly, strengths are specific, so a sensible challenger chooses the ground.

Fits moments of advice before a rivalry or dispute: urging someone to meet an opponent on terms that favor their own strengths, and to steer clear of whatever field the opponent is known to dominate.