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Many Egyptians think of proverbs as words of wisdom. Below are few ones that I find funny and somehow true! For more, please check out this link

 <tammakhada al gamala wa walada fa’aran>

Literal translation: The camel went through labor only 

to give birth to a mouse!

Hidden meaning: Looks are deceiving

Applicability: To express disappointment when something 

big is expected but never materializes.

<labbes el khonfesa teb’a sett el nesa>

Literal translation: Dress-up the beatle, it becomes the Lady 

of the Ladies

Hidden meaning: Make up (cosmetics) can make the ugly 

quite pretty.

Applicability: Don’t be fooled by appearances. 

<Ya Naas Ya Shaar Kefayah Qarr>

 Literal Translation: Oh you bad persons, stop envying me!

Hidden Meaning: None

<El-’erd fi 3ein ‘ommoh ghazal>

Literal translation: The mother of a monkey sees him as 

beautiful and graceful as a deer!

Meaning: To the biased eye, the ugliest can look beautiful.

Usage: To criticize people with clearly biased opinions.

<Habibak yebla3 lak el-zalaT we 3adowak yetmana lak el-GHalaT>

Literal translation: He who loves you sallows stones from you, 

while your enemy waits for your mistakes.

Applicability: To comment on the weird acts of friends/enemies  

<ellei faat maat>

Literal translation:  What is past is dead

Hidden Meaning: Forget the past; open a new page