دقة بدقة ولو زدت زاد السقا
daqqa bi-daqqa wa law zidta zada al-saqqa
Exact for exact, if you add, so does the water carrier
Signification
Tit for tat; what goes around comes around. Fairness and reciprocity.
Contexte culturel
In Egypt, this proverb is extremely popular and is often delivered with a bit of a 'sassy' or knowing tone. It's part of the 'Taymour Pasha' collection of folk proverbs. Used frequently in traditional dramas (like Bab Al-Hara) to emphasize moral lessons and the importance of family honor. The 'Sakka' was a vital part of urban life until the early 20th century. Because they entered many homes, they were expected to be men of high integrity. The phrase has seen a resurgence on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, used in 'karma' threads and to comment on celebrity downfalls.
Shorten it
In most casual conversations, just saying 'Daqqa bi-daqqa' is enough. People will know the rest.
Sensitivity
Don't use this if someone is suffering from something they clearly didn't cause. It sounds like you are blaming them.
Signification
Tit for tat; what goes around comes around. Fairness and reciprocity.
Shorten it
In most casual conversations, just saying 'Daqqa bi-daqqa' is enough. People will know the rest.
Sensitivity
Don't use this if someone is suffering from something they clearly didn't cause. It sounds like you are blaming them.
Egyptian Pronunciation
If you are in Cairo, pronounce it 'Da'a bi-da'a' to sound like a local.
The Sakka
Understanding that the Sakka was a real person who delivered water helps you visualize the idiom better.
Teste-toi
Complete the idiom with the correct word.
دقة بدقة ولو زدت زاد _______
The idiom specifically refers to the 'Sakka' (water-carrier) from the original story.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'دقة بدقة'?
A person helps a stranger and later wins the lottery / A person cheats on a test and later their own work is stolen / A person buys a new car.
The idiom is about reciprocity and poetic justice.
What is the literal meaning of 'Daqqa'?
ما معنى كلمة 'دقة' حرفياً؟
'Daqqa' comes from the verb 'daqqa' (to knock).
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: 'لقد سخرت من ملابسه، والآن الجميع يسخر من ملابسي!' سارة: '_______'
This is the perfect context for the idiom as Ahmed is experiencing what he did to others.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesدقة بدقة ولو زدت زاد _______
The idiom specifically refers to the 'Sakka' (water-carrier) from the original story.
A person helps a stranger and later wins the lottery / A person cheats on a test and later their own work is stolen / A person buys a new car.
The idiom is about reciprocity and poetic justice.
ما معنى كلمة 'دقة' حرفياً؟
'Daqqa' comes from the verb 'daqqa' (to knock).
أحمد: 'لقد سخرت من ملابسه، والآن الجميع يسخر من ملابسي!' سارة: '_______'
This is the perfect context for the idiom as Ahmed is experiencing what he did to others.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot directly, but it aligns with the Islamic concept of 'Kama tadin tudan.' It's more of a cultural/folk proverb.
Yes! If you help someone and then someone else helps you unexpectedly, you can say 'Daqqa bi-daqqa' to mean 'goodness is returned.'
It means 'you increased.' It comes from the root Z-Y-D.
It is most famous in Egypt and the Levant, but understood everywhere.
Because in the original story, the water-carrier was the one who 'returned the knock' to the merchant's house.
No, it's informal. Use 'Al-jaza' min jins al-'amal' for formal writing.
Only if you have a very close, joking relationship. Otherwise, it might sound disrespectful.
Yes, 'Daqqa bi-daqqa' (دقة بدقة).
No. While 'Daqiqa' means minute, 'Daqqa' here means a knock or a beat.
People might think you are being mean if the context doesn't involve karma.
Expressions liées
كما تدين تدان
synonymAs you judge, you shall be judged.
الجزاء من جنس العمل
synonymThe reward is of the same nature as the deed.
انقلب السحر على الساحر
similarThe magic turned on the magician.
من حفر حفرة لأخيه وقع فيها
similarHe who digs a pit for his brother falls into it.
