A much-maligned urban fox sleeps beside autumn leaves in a garden in London (Reuters)
نوم الظالم عبادة
Nom el zalem ‘ebada
Translation: The sleep of the tyrant is worship
Meaning: Let sleeping dogs lie. This proverb is still used humorously to refer to family members who are dozing off. “Let your brother sleep, we can use some peace for now.” Or “go sleep, nom el zalem ebada.” The wording is erudite and terse, suggesting a nineteenth century origin.
Source: Egyptian Proverbs, (Al-Ahram Center for Translation and Publishing, 1986) by Ahmed Taymour Pasha
Translated by: Nabil Shawkat
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