«قَبْلْ مَا تِتْعَلِّمِ الْعُومْ تِغَاطِسْ؟!»

The saying mocks a person who rushes into competition at an advanced skill while still lacking the elementary one it depends on. Diving presupposes swimming, so contending with others underwater before staying afloat is shown to be absurd and self-defeating.

More broadly, it rebukes premature pretension: measuring oneself against seasoned people, or claiming their standing, before acquiring the basic ability such rivalry requires. Its target is rivalry and showing off, not merely attempting something difficult; skill grows in stages, and skipping them invites ridicule.

Aimed at someone who tries to outdo or challenge more experienced people before mastering the basics. It is a mocking, incredulous retort, delivered as a scoffing question rather than a flat statement, best kept for informal exchanges since it openly belittles the listener's readiness.