كثرة اليدين تحل المشكلة
kathrat al-yadayn tahull al-mushkila
Many hands solve the problem
Meaning
Teamwork and cooperation make difficult tasks easier.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Al-Awna' is a traditional system where villagers help each other during the olive harvest. This idiom is the 'motto' of such seasons. Egyptians often use the dialect version 'Id wahda ma tsaqqafsh,' but the MSA version is highly respected in educational and professional settings. Reflects the 'Faza'a' culture where tribal solidarity means everyone pitches in immediately when a problem arises. Similar to 'Touiza,' a communal work tradition for building or farming. The idiom reinforces these ancient social bonds.
Use it to offer help
Instead of just saying 'Can I help?', use this idiom to make your offer sound more encouraging and culturally grounded.
Watch the gender
Remember 'tahull' (feminine). If you say 'yahull,' native speakers will understand, but it will sound like a basic grammar mistake.
Meaning
Teamwork and cooperation make difficult tasks easier.
Use it to offer help
Instead of just saying 'Can I help?', use this idiom to make your offer sound more encouraging and culturally grounded.
Watch the gender
Remember 'tahull' (feminine). If you say 'yahull,' native speakers will understand, but it will sound like a basic grammar mistake.
The 'Knot' Metaphor
If you want to sound very advanced, use the word 'Uqda' (knot) instead of 'Mushkila' (problem) occasionally: 'كثرة اليدين تفك العقدة'.
Test Yourself
Complete the idiom with the correct word.
كثرة اليدين ____ المشكلة.
The verb must be feminine singular 'tahull' to agree with 'Kathra'.
Which situation best fits this idiom?
When would you say 'كثرة اليدين تحل المشكلة'?
The idiom is about teamwork and collective effort.
Match the Arabic words to their English meanings.
Match the following:
These are the literal components of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
Ahmed: 'This project is too big for me.' Sara: 'Don't worry, I will help you, and Khalid will help too. ________.'
The idiom encourages teamwork in a difficult project.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesكثرة اليدين ____ المشكلة.
The verb must be feminine singular 'tahull' to agree with 'Kathra'.
When would you say 'كثرة اليدين تحل المشكلة'?
The idiom is about teamwork and collective effort.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the literal components of the idiom.
Ahmed: 'This project is too big for me.' Sara: 'Don't worry, I will help you, and Khalid will help too. ________.'
The idiom encourages teamwork in a difficult project.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is understood everywhere as it is Modern Standard Arabic, though local dialects have their own variations.
Yes! If you are working on a group project, it's a perfect way to motivate your classmates.
In Arabic idioms, the dual often represents the first step of cooperation. If even two people help, the problem starts to dissolve.
It's neutral-to-formal. You can use it with your boss or your grandmother.
No, it's the opposite! It means more people are better. The 'Too many cooks' equivalent is 'Kathrat al-tabbakhin tahriq al-tabkha'.
Usually no. It's best for tasks, chores, and logical problems.
It comes from Sh-K-L (ش-ك-ل), which relates to things being similar or confusing, hence a 'problem' that needs sorting.
The Quranic verse 'And cooperate in righteousness and piety' (وتعاونوا على البر والتقوى) is the formal religious basis for this sentiment.
You can, but it's no longer an idiom. 'Kathrat al-yadayn' is the fixed, poetic form.
It's the 'Ha' (ح), like the sound you make when breathing on glasses to clean them.
Related Phrases
اليد الواحدة لا تصفق
similarOne hand alone cannot clap.
في الاتحاد قوة
synonymIn unity there is strength.
التعاون أساس النجاح
builds onCooperation is the foundation of success.
كثرة الطباخين تحرق الطبخة
contrastToo many cooks burn the meal.
