C1 Idiom Informal

ضحك على ذقون الناس

ḍaḥika 'ala dhqoon al-naas

Laughed on people's beards

Significado

To deceive, trick, or make a fool of people, often with cunning and mockery.

🌍

Contexto cultural

The beard is a symbol of 'Muru'a' (chivalry). Mocking it is a direct hit to a man's social standing. Egyptians use this phrase frequently in political satire and 'Musalsalat' (TV dramas) to highlight corruption. In Lebanon and Syria, the phrase is used to describe 'empty talk' (حكي فاضي) from officials. In the Gulf, honesty in trade is highly valued; 'laughing at chins' is a serious accusation of bad faith.

🎯

Use with Sarcasm

This phrase works best when delivered with a slightly cynical or sarcastic tone. It shows you are 'street smart'.

⚠️

Not for Friends

Don't use this with close friends unless they have actually done something dishonest. It's too strong for a simple joke.

Significado

To deceive, trick, or make a fool of people, often with cunning and mockery.

🎯

Use with Sarcasm

This phrase works best when delivered with a slightly cynical or sarcastic tone. It shows you are 'street smart'.

⚠️

Not for Friends

Don't use this with close friends unless they have actually done something dishonest. It's too strong for a simple joke.

💬

The Plural Matters

Using 'Dhuqun' (plural) makes the deception sound like a widespread social issue, which is very common in Arabic media.

Ponte a prueba

Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and word.

لا تصدق وعودهم، إنهم يضحكون ___ ذقون الناس.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: على

The idiom always uses the preposition 'على'.

Which situation best fits the idiom 'الضحك على الذقون'?

أي موقف يناسب هذا التعبير؟

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: شركة تبيع منتجاً مغشوشاً بسعر غالٍ.

The idiom refers to deception and fraud, not literal laughing or shaving.

Complete the dialogue with the appropriate response.

أحمد: 'قال لي الموظف إن المعاملة ستنتهي غداً، لكنه يقول ذلك كل أسبوع!' خالد: '_________'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: إنه يضحك على ذقنك يا أحمد.

Khaled is pointing out that the employee is stalling and fooling Ahmed.

Match the phrase to its meaning.

صل الجملة بمعناها:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: a

Each 'laugh' phrase has a distinct meaning in Arabic.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and word. Fill Blank B1

لا تصدق وعودهم، إنهم يضحكون ___ ذقون الناس.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: على

The idiom always uses the preposition 'على'.

Which situation best fits the idiom 'الضحك على الذقون'? Choose B2

أي موقف يناسب هذا التعبير؟

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: شركة تبيع منتجاً مغشوشاً بسعر غالٍ.

The idiom refers to deception and fraud, not literal laughing or shaving.

Complete the dialogue with the appropriate response. dialogue_completion C1

أحمد: 'قال لي الموظف إن المعاملة ستنتهي غداً، لكنه يقول ذلك كل أسبوع!' خالد: '_________'

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: إنه يضحك على ذقنك يا أحمد.

Khaled is pointing out that the employee is stalling and fooling Ahmed.

Match the phrase to its meaning. Match B2

Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: a

Each 'laugh' phrase has a distinct meaning in Arabic.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

5 preguntas

It is not a swear word, but it is an accusation of lying. Use it when you are prepared for a serious conversation.

Yes, even though women don't have beards, the idiom is used for everyone. It means 'fooling people' regardless of gender.

In Egypt, people say 'بيشتغلني' (He's working me) or 'بيضحك عليّ' (He's laughing at me).

No, it can be about emotions, time, or political promises. Any deception counts.

Because the chin/beard was the symbol of dignity. Mocking the beard was the ultimate sign of disrespect.

Frases relacionadas

🔄

نصب عليه

synonym

To scam someone.

🔗

استغفل

similar

To take advantage of someone's unawareness.

🔗

باع له الوهم

builds on

To sell someone an illusion.

🔗

ضحك في وجهه

contrast

To smile/laugh in someone's face (friendly).

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