القط ما يحبش إلا خناقه
El ott ma yehebbesh ella khanna'oh
Translation: The cat loves only the person who chokes him.
Meaning: We often think that people want the easy and safe life, but in fact some people would value a bit of thrill on the side, including the thrill of hanging out with interesting, but perhaps abusive, characters. The puzzlement, uttered by family and friends, the familiar and protective circle, at the sight of someone taking risks with shady characters, is what keeps this saying in circulation, and therapists in business.
Source: ُEgyptian proverbs, (Al-Ahram Center For Translation and Publishing, 1986) by Ahmed Taymour Pasha,
Translated by: Nabil Shawkat
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