ان خفت ما تقول، وان قلت ما تخاف

En khoft ma teqoul wen qolt ma tekhaf

Translation: If you’re afraid, don’t speak up and if you speak up, don’t be afraid.

Meaning: This is a variation on “put up or shut up." It advises people to stay out of trouble, or just face the consequences. When afraid, don’t get yourself in trouble, and when in trouble, prepare yourself for the worst. This proverb is now outdated, but it is so powerful and timeless it deserves to be revived.

Source: Egyptian Proverbs, (Al-Ahram Center for Translation and Publishing, 1986) by Ahmed Taymour Pasha

Translated by: Nabil Shawkat