يموت الزمار وأصابعه تلعب
yamut alzummar wa'asabihiu tal'ab
The piper dies but his fingers keep playing
Signification
Old habits are deeply ingrained and hard to break, even until the end.
Contexte culturel
In Egypt, this proverb is often used with a humorous, slightly mocking tone toward someone who can't stop a silly habit. In the Levant, the word 'Mizmar' is very common in folk music, making the imagery very relatable to older generations. Used more formally in the Gulf to describe the persistence of traditional values or tribal customs. While understood, they often prefer 'اللي فيه الفزعة ما يخليها' but 'Yamut al-zammar' is recognized through literature.
Use for 'Relapses'
The best time to use this is when someone does something they promised they wouldn't do anymore.
Don't be too literal
If you use this with a real musician, make sure they know you're talking about their talent, not their impending death!
Signification
Old habits are deeply ingrained and hard to break, even until the end.
Use for 'Relapses'
The best time to use this is when someone does something they promised they wouldn't do anymore.
Don't be too literal
If you use this with a real musician, make sure they know you're talking about their talent, not their impending death!
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
يموت الزمار وأصابعه _______
The standard form uses 'تلعب' (playing/moving).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
A retired doctor stops to help a stranger who fainted in the street.
The doctor's professional habit of helping persists even after retirement.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل لا يزال جدك يذهب إلى السوق كل صباح؟ سامي: نعم، رغم أنه لم يعد يبيع شيئاً، لكن _______.
The grandfather's habit of going to the market persists despite no longer working.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesيموت الزمار وأصابعه _______
The standard form uses 'تلعب' (playing/moving).
A retired doctor stops to help a stranger who fainted in the street.
The doctor's professional habit of helping persists even after retirement.
أحمد: هل لا يزال جدك يذهب إلى السوق كل صباح؟ سامي: نعم، رغم أنه لم يعد يبيع شيئاً، لكن _______.
The grandfather's habit of going to the market persists despite no longer working.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsIt can be. If used for a bad habit (like lying), it implies the person will never change. If used for a skill, it's a compliment.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in MSA and all dialects.
Expressions liées
الطبع يغلب التطبع
synonymNature overcomes nurture.
عادت ريمة لعادتها القديمة
similarRima returned to her old habit.
من شبّ على شيء شاب عليه
builds onHe who grows up on something, grows old on it.
