الباب الذي يأتيك منه الريح سده واستريح
al-bab alladhi ya'tika minhu al-rih sudduhu wa istarih
The door from which the wind comes, close it and rest
Signification
Address the source of your problems directly to find peace and avoid further trouble.
Contexte culturel
In Egypt, this is one of the most cited proverbs. It reflects the 'Sha'bi' (folk) wisdom of avoiding 'Waga' al-dimagh' (headaches/trouble). Egyptians often use it with a shrug to signal they are done with a topic. In Syria and Lebanon, the proverb is used to emphasize family privacy. It suggests that external influences (the wind) should not be allowed to disturb the peace of the home. While used in the Gulf, you might also hear 'البعيد عن العين بعيد عن القلب' (Far from the eye, far from the heart), but 'Close the door' is used specifically for active nuisances. In Morocco and Tunisia, similar concepts exist, but the phrasing might change to include 'Hani' (peaceful). The core idea of 'closing the source' remains identical.
Use it for 'Blocking'
This is the perfect phrase to use when you block someone on WhatsApp or Instagram. It sounds very natural and wise.
Don't be too blunt
If you say this to someone's face about *them*, it is very insulting. Use it to talk *about* a third party or a situation.
Signification
Address the source of your problems directly to find peace and avoid further trouble.
Use it for 'Blocking'
This is the perfect phrase to use when you block someone on WhatsApp or Instagram. It sounds very natural and wise.
Don't be too blunt
If you say this to someone's face about *them*, it is very insulting. Use it to talk *about* a third party or a situation.
The Dialect Shortcut
Just saying 'سد الباب واستريح' (Sud al-bab wa istarih) is enough for people to know exactly which proverb you mean.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
الباب الذي يأتيك منه ___ سده و___.
The proverb specifically uses 'wind' (rih) and 'rest' (istarih).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
Your friend keeps getting spam emails from a shopping site and complains every day.
Unsubscribing is 'closing the door' on the spam.
What is the figurative meaning of 'the wind' in this proverb?
ما معنى 'الريح' في هذا المثل؟
In this context, wind symbolizes the source of trouble.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: 'أنا متعب من كثرة الرسائل في مجموعة العائلة.' خالد: '________.'
Leaving the group is the 'closing the door' action.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesالباب الذي يأتيك منه ___ سده و___.
The proverb specifically uses 'wind' (rih) and 'rest' (istarih).
Your friend keeps getting spam emails from a shopping site and complains every day.
Unsubscribing is 'closing the door' on the spam.
ما معنى 'الريح' في هذا المثل؟
In this context, wind symbolizes the source of trouble.
أحمد: 'أنا متعب من كثرة الرسائل في مجموعة العائلة.' خالد: '________.'
Leaving the group is the 'closing the door' action.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it is much more common in daily dialects. In MSA, it would be used in literature or journalism.
Yes, but people will likely laugh because it's so commonly used as a metaphor. It's like saying 'A stitch in time saves nine' while actually sewing.
It means to block, plug, or close tightly. It's stronger than just 'close' (aghlaqa).
It can be dismissive. Use it with friends, not with your boss or elders unless they are the ones giving the advice.
In the desert, wind brings dust, heat, or cold. It is an unpredictable force that disturbs the home.
It's the 'ح' (Ha), like the sound you make when breathing on glasses to clean them.
Yes: 'سد الباب واستريح' (Close the door and rest).
Absolutely. If an investment is losing money, 'close the door' on it.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'طرق الحديد وهو ساخن' (Strike while the iron is hot) encourages engagement rather than withdrawal.
No, it is a folk proverb, not a religious text, though it aligns with some spiritual values of peace.
Expressions liées
ابعد عن الشر وغني له
similarStay away from evil and sing to it.
آخر الدواء الكي
builds onThe last remedy is cauterization.
يا غريب كن أديب
contrastO stranger, be polite.
ريح بالك
synonymRest your mind.
