اول ما شطح نطح
Awwel ma shatah natah
Translation: The moment he was allowed to roam free, he started pushing people around.
Meaning: This proverb, still in common use, is about beginner’s bravado. You can use it when someone is promoted to a position of authority, and then starts throwing their weight around. It is about hubris, and it captures the sense of resentment you feel about this newcomer, who should have shown more humility.
Source: Egyptian Proverbs, (Al-Ahram Center for Translation and Publishing, 1986) by Ahmed Taymour Pasha
Translated by: Nabil Shawkat
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