Signification
Means to be completely broke, without any money or resources.
Contexte culturel
In Egypt, this phrase is often accompanied by a specific gesture: clicking the fingernail of the thumb against the upper front teeth. This signifies 'not even a cent'. While 'Ala al-Hadida' is understood, people here often use 'Tafran' (طفران). However, 'Ala al-Hadida' is used for more dramatic emphasis or in storytelling. In the Gulf, the phrase is common among the youth and expatriate communities. It's often used to joke about the high cost of living in cities like Dubai or Doha. In countries like Morocco or Algeria, local dialects (Darija) have their own versions, but 'Ala al-Hadida' is recognized due to the influence of Egyptian cinema and music.
Use it for empathy
If a friend says they are broke, saying 'We are all on the iron' (Kulluna ala al-hadida) is a great way to show solidarity.
Don't use with elders
Some older, more traditional people might find it a bit too 'street' or informal. Stick to 'Muflis' with them.
Signification
Means to be completely broke, without any money or resources.
Use it for empathy
If a friend says they are broke, saying 'We are all on the iron' (Kulluna ala al-hadida) is a great way to show solidarity.
Don't use with elders
Some older, more traditional people might find it a bit too 'street' or informal. Stick to 'Muflis' with them.
The 'Iron' logic
Remember that 'iron' in Arabic culture often symbolizes the 'hard' or 'base' reality. This will help you understand other idioms later.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
أنا لا أملك المال، أنا على _______.
The correct idiom is 'على الحديدة'. 'الحديد' is the metal, but the idiom requires the feminine form 'الحديدة'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm broke' to a friend?
كيف تقول لصديقك أنك لا تملك مالاً؟
Option B uses the correct idiom and a casual address ('ya sahbi'), making it the most natural.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Situation: You spent all your money on a new iPhone and now you can't buy lunch.
Being 'on the iron' perfectly describes the state of having no money left after a big purchase.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل تريد الذهاب إلى السينما؟ خالد: لا أستطيع، والله أنا ________.
The preposition 'على' (on) is the only one used in this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesأنا لا أملك المال، أنا على _______.
The correct idiom is 'على الحديدة'. 'الحديد' is the metal, but the idiom requires the feminine form 'الحديدة'.
كيف تقول لصديقك أنك لا تملك مالاً؟
Option B uses the correct idiom and a casual address ('ya sahbi'), making it the most natural.
Situation: You spent all your money on a new iPhone and now you can't buy lunch.
Being 'on the iron' perfectly describes the state of having no money left after a big purchase.
أحمد: هل تريد الذهاب إلى السينما؟ خالد: لا أستطيع، والله أنا ________.
The preposition 'على' (on) is the only one used in this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is strictly an informal/dialectal idiom. In MSA, you would use 'إفلاس' (iflas).
Yes! The phrase is fixed. You say 'Hiya ala al-hadida' (She is on the iron).
No, it is 100% figurative. It just means you have no money.
Not at all. It's a common, slightly humorous way to complain about money.
You could say 'مرتاح مادياً' (financially comfortable) or 'غني' (rich).
Yes, in a casual business conversation, you can say the company is 'on the iron'.
Iron represents the cold, hard structural base that is left when everything else is gone.
Yes, it is one of the most widely understood idioms across the Middle East.
Yes, 'وصلت للحديدة' is a common variation meaning 'I've reached the bottom'.
No, the phrase 'على الحديدة' stays the same for one person or many people.
Expressions liées
على البلاط
synonymOn the tiles
طفران
synonymBroke
مفلس
similarBankrupt
منتّف
slangPlucked (like a bird)
