افعل ما عليك

You start with the verb 'to do' or 'to make.' In Egyptian and Levantine Arabic, that is اعمل (a’mel). Then you add اللي (elly), which means 'that which' or 'what.' Finally, you use عليك (‘aleik), meaning 'upon you.' You must change the ending based on who you are talking to. For a woman, say اعملي اللي عليكي (a’meli elly ‘aleiki). For a group, use اعملوا اللي عليكوا (a’melu elly ‘aleiku). If you are talking about yourself, say عملت اللي عليا (’amalt elly ‘aleya). It is very flexible and fits into most sentences easily.

Use it when a friend is stressed about an exam. Tell them اعمل اللي عليك to help them focus. It works great in professional settings too. If a project is failing despite your hard work, use it. It shows you are responsible but realistic. You can also use it in moral situations. If you tried to help someone and they refused, say it. It reminds you that your conscience is clear. Text it to a teammate before a big match. It’s the perfect 'good luck' with a side of 'work hard.'

Avoid this if someone is being genuinely lazy. It’s not an excuse for poor performance. Don't use it if the task is very simple. If someone just needs to buy milk, it sounds too dramatic. Also, avoid it in very tragic situations where effort doesn't matter. It might come off as dismissive or cold then. If someone is grieving, they don't need to 'do their part.' They just need support. Don't use it to brush off someone who is asking for actual help.

This phrase reflects a deep-seated Middle Eastern philosophy. It’s closely tied to the concept of 'Tawakkul.' This means 'trusting in God's plan.' However, you can't just sit back and wait. You must 'tie your camel' first. This means taking all necessary precautions and actions. Once you've done your part, you leave the rest to fate. It creates a culture of hard work mixed with high resilience. It helps people handle disappointment without losing hope. It is about personal integrity above all else.

In the Gulf region, you will hear سوي اللي عليك (sawwi elly ‘aleik). The meaning is exactly the same. In formal Modern Standard Arabic, it becomes افعل ما عليك (if’al ma ‘aleik). Some people add والباقي على ربنا (and the rest is up to God). This completes the sentiment of the phrase. You might also hear أديت اللي عليا (I performed my duty). This is used when looking back at a finished task. You can also say خليك قد المسؤولية (be up to the responsibility) for a stronger tone.