المركب اللى تودى أخير من اللى تجيب
El markeb elli be tewaddi akhyar men elli tegib
Translation: The ship that departs is better than the ship that arrives
Meaning: This almost satirical proverb is still somewhat in use, and may deserve a full comeback. It is akin to “good riddance,” but it offers a more picturesque scene: ships sailing into the seas with undesirable people aboard, while others remain on shore, pleased to see them leave.
Source: Egyptian Proverbs, (Al-Ahram Center for Translation and Publishing, 1986) by Ahmed Taymour Pasha
Translated by: Nabil Shawkat
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