Meaning
Suggests that people often desire what they are not allowed to have.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, this phrase is often used with a shrug of the shoulders to explain why people are attracted to 'trouble' or complicated social situations. Egyptians use this phrase frequently in humor. It's often applied to food, especially during Ramadan when people crave exactly what they can't eat during the day. In the Gulf, it might be used in a more conservative context to explain why youth are interested in Western trends that are sometimes restricted. The phrase is well-understood but often competes with local Darija proverbs about 'the heart wanting what it wants.'
The 'Ain' and 'Ghain' Challenge
This phrase is great for practicing the difference between the 'Ain (ع) in Mamnu' and the Ghain (غ) in Marghub. One is a squeeze, the other is a gargle!
Use it as a joke
If someone catches you eating a snack you shouldn't, just say 'Kullu mamnu'in marghub' with a smile. It's a universal excuse.
Meaning
Suggests that people often desire what they are not allowed to have.
The 'Ain' and 'Ghain' Challenge
This phrase is great for practicing the difference between the 'Ain (ع) in Mamnu' and the Ghain (غ) in Marghub. One is a squeeze, the other is a gargle!
Use it as a joke
If someone catches you eating a snack you shouldn't, just say 'Kullu mamnu'in marghub' with a smile. It's a universal excuse.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
كل ممنوع ________.
'Marghub' is the standard second half of this proverb, meaning 'desired.'
Which situation best fits the proverb 'كل ممنوع مرغوب'?
A person is on a diet and suddenly wants to eat a whole cake.
The proverb perfectly describes wanting something specifically because it is restricted (like cake on a diet).
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: لماذا يصر خالد على شراء هذه السيارة الغالية رغم أنها غير عملية؟ Speaker B: ________
If the car is 'off-limits' or hard to get, it becomes more desirable, fitting the proverb.
Match the Arabic word to its English meaning in the context of the proverb.
Match the following:
These are the three literal components of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesكل ممنوع ________.
'Marghub' is the standard second half of this proverb, meaning 'desired.'
A person is on a diet and suddenly wants to eat a whole cake.
The proverb perfectly describes wanting something specifically because it is restricted (like cake on a diet).
Speaker A: لماذا يصر خالد على شراء هذه السيارة الغالية رغم أنها غير عملية؟ Speaker B: ________
If the car is 'off-limits' or hard to get, it becomes more desirable, fitting the proverb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three literal components of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsWhile it aligns with religious observations about human nature, it is a secular proverb used by everyone, regardless of faith.
Yes, if you are discussing marketing strategies like 'scarcity' or 'exclusivity.' It sounds quite smart.
Yes, though the pronunciation might change slightly, the phrase is a standard part of pan-Arab wisdom.
Related Phrases
ثمرة محرمة
synonymForbidden fruit
الطيور على أشكالها تقع
contrastBirds of a feather flock together
حب المظاهر
similarLove of appearances/showing off
