Meaning
Always takes advantage of any chance or favorable situation that arises.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, this is often linked to the concept of 'al-fahlawa' (resourcefulness). An Egyptian might say 'mabiyfawitsh' to describe someone who is 'mifattiḥ' (eyes wide open/alert). In Lebanon and Syria, the phrase is used frequently in business. There is a high cultural value placed on being 'shātir' (clever), and not missing opportunities is the primary evidence of being 'shātir'. In the modern Gulf, especially in Dubai or Riyadh, this phrase is common in the startup and investment scene. It reflects the fast-paced economic transformation of the region. In Morocco and Tunisia, the phrase is often used with a slightly more formal tone in media, though the dialectal versions use 'ma yfayatch'.
Use with 'Sāniḥa'
Add the adjective 'Sāniḥa' (available/ripe) after 'furṣah' to sound more like a C1 speaker. 'لا يفوت فرصة سانحة'.
Tone Matters
Be careful with your tone; if said with a sneer, it implies the person is a greedy opportunist.
Meaning
Always takes advantage of any chance or favorable situation that arises.
Use with 'Sāniḥa'
Add the adjective 'Sāniḥa' (available/ripe) after 'furṣah' to sound more like a C1 speaker. 'لا يفوت فرصة سانحة'.
Tone Matters
Be careful with your tone; if said with a sneer, it implies the person is a greedy opportunist.
The 'Shatāra' Connection
In many Arab countries, being someone who doesn't miss opportunities is the definition of being 'shātir' (smart/resourceful).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'yufawwit'.
أنا ___ فرصة لتعلم لغات جديدة.
The subject is 'أنا' (I), so the verb must start with the prefix 'a-'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to describe a proactive businessman?
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
A smart merchant (التاجر الذكي) is the one who wouldn't miss an opportunity for profit.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend is always the first to apply for scholarships.
Applying for scholarships is a proactive step toward success.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
أحمد: هل سمعت عن الوظيفة الجديدة؟ خالد: نعم، وقدمت عليها فوراً، فأنا ___.
Applying immediately shows he doesn't miss opportunities.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأنا ___ فرصة لتعلم لغات جديدة.
The subject is 'أنا' (I), so the verb must start with the prefix 'a-'.
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
A smart merchant (التاجر الذكي) is the one who wouldn't miss an opportunity for profit.
Situation: Your friend is always the first to apply for scholarships.
Applying for scholarships is a proactive step toward success.
أحمد: هل سمعت عن الوظيفة الجديدة؟ خالد: نعم، وقدمت عليها فوراً، فأنا ___.
Applying immediately shows he doesn't miss opportunities.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in both formal business reports and informal chats with friends.
Yes, 'أنا لا أفوت فرصة' (I don't miss a chance) is a common way to show confidence in an interview.
'Fursah' is an opportunity you can take, 'hazz' is pure luck that happens to you.
Yes, 'لم يفوّت فرصة' (He didn't miss an opportunity).
Not always. It can describe someone who is 'wusūlī' (a social climber) who exploits every situation.
Use the plural: 'لا تفوتوا هذه الفرصة' (Lā tufawwitū hādhihi al-furṣah).
The root is F-R-Ṣ (ف ر ص), which relates to cutting or dividing (like dividing turns for water).
Yes, 'مبيفوتش الهوا' (He doesn't even let the air pass) is a very common exaggeration.
Yes, e.g., 'He doesn't miss a chance to annoy me' (لا يفوت فرصة ليزعجني).
'يضيع الفرص' (He wastes opportunities) or 'كسول' (Lazy).
Related Phrases
ينتهز الفرصة
synonymTo seize the opportunity.
يصطاد في الماء العكر
contrastTo fish in troubled waters.
تفوته الحافلة
contrastTo miss the bus.
فرصة لا تعوض
builds onAn irreplaceable opportunity.
