جبتك يا عبد المعين تعني لقيتك يا عبد المعين تنعان
Gebtak ya Abdel Mo’een te’enni laqeitak ya Abdel Mo’een ten’an
Translation: I came to you for help, Abdel Mo’een, but found that you're the one in need of help.
Meaning: The person on whom you placed so much faith turned out to be utterly helpless. Despite being verbose, this proverb has survived the test of time. Something in its awkwardness makes it endearing. And the use of the name, Abdel Mo’een (worshipper of the Empowering One), adds colour. Try it on friends who fail to come to your aid and watch their reaction.
Source: Egyptian Proverbs, (Al-Ahram Center for Translation and Publishing, 1986) by Ahmed Taymour Pasha
Translated by: Nabil Shawkat
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