مقدي وخنجرة بحزامة beggars can't be choosers

I found a very interesting thread on wordreference giving Arabic equivalents for the English proverb "beggars can't be choosers". This Iraqi version is my favorite:


  مقدي وخنجرة بحزامة
(muqadi wakhanajara bihazaama)
Literal meaning: a beggar with a dagger in his belt.
Meaning: describes someone who tries to get his own way when he doesn't really have a choice.


Unlike the English proverb, most of  these Arabic proverbs describe behavior: طرّار و يتشرّط (Tarraar wiyitsharraT), "a beggar and he sets conditions" (Saudi);  شحات ونزهي (shaHaat wiyinazee) "a beggar but acting like a rich man." (Egyptian); شحات وعايز رغيف shaHaat wi'aayiz righeef -- a beggar and he wants a (whole) loaf (Egyptian).


I guess it's a universal sentiment

الشهر الي ما فيه لك شهرية لا عد ايام

An Arabic proverb from Arabic Proverbs Collected by Mrs. A.P. Singer by Enno Littleman
الشهر الي ما فيه لك شهرية لا عد ايام 
Literal meaning: In a month without wages, do not count the days.
Meaning: A day when you don't achieve anything, doesn't count. Littleman says that this proverb is said in many countries: Egypt, Sudan, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Morocco, and Iraq.    


You can read the book for free here.