Meaning
There is always someone to take advantage of another's mistakes, misfortunes, or fallen opportunities.
Cultural Background
The proverb is a staple in 'Adab' (literature/etiquette) books, used to teach young people to be discreet. It emphasizes that the walls have ears. In Egypt, while the Fusha version is known, people often use more colorful metaphors about 'Rizq' (provision) to explain the same concept of opportunism. Used frequently in the context of trade and the 'Souq'. If one merchant can't sell his goods, another will find a way. Often applied to political and tribal loyalty shifts. If a leader loses support, another is ready to 'pick up' the followers.
Use it for 'Market Gaps'
In a business meeting, use this to describe why a competitor is succeeding in an area you neglected. It sounds very professional.
Gender is Fixed
Do not try to make it masculine even if you are talking about a man. The proverb is a fixed feminine formula.
Meaning
There is always someone to take advantage of another's mistakes, misfortunes, or fallen opportunities.
Use it for 'Market Gaps'
In a business meeting, use this to describe why a competitor is succeeding in an area you neglected. It sounds very professional.
Gender is Fixed
Do not try to make it masculine even if you are talking about a man. The proverb is a fixed feminine formula.
The 'Spy' Connotation
Remember that this can imply someone is spying or waiting for you to fail. Use it carefully so you don't sound paranoid.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
لكل ساقطة _______.
The correct word is 'Laqitah' (picker), which rhymes with 'Saqitah'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Likulli saqitah laqitah'?
A company goes bankrupt and its rival hires all its best engineers.
This is a classic example of one person's 'fall' being another's 'pick-up'.
Choose the best response using the proverb.
أحمد: 'لقد نسيت أن أسجل براءة اختراعي، والآن جاري سرق الفكرة!' سارة: '_________________'
Sarah is using the proverb to explain that since Ahmed 'dropped' the opportunity (by not registering), someone else 'picked it up'.
What is the literal meaning of 'Saqitah' in this proverb?
ما المعنى الحرفي لكلمة 'ساقطة' في هذا المثل؟
'Saqitah' comes from the root S-Q-T meaning to fall.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلكل ساقطة _______.
The correct word is 'Laqitah' (picker), which rhymes with 'Saqitah'.
A company goes bankrupt and its rival hires all its best engineers.
This is a classic example of one person's 'fall' being another's 'pick-up'.
أحمد: 'لقد نسيت أن أسجل براءة اختراعي، والآن جاري سرق الفكرة!' سارة: '_________________'
Sarah is using the proverb to explain that since Ahmed 'dropped' the opportunity (by not registering), someone else 'picked it up'.
ما المعنى الحرفي لكلمة 'ساقطة' في هذا المثل؟
'Saqitah' comes from the root S-Q-T meaning to fall.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is most commonly used for words, secrets, and business opportunities.
It can be. If you say it to someone who just lost something, it implies their loss is someone else's gain, which lacks empathy.
It refers to the word 'Kalimah' (word) or 'Ashya' (things), which are feminine in Arabic grammar.
Yes, it is excellent for formal writing, especially in political or economic analysis.
No, the three-word structure is already very concise.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'Al-fursa la ta'ti marratayn' (Opportunity doesn't come twice) focuses on the loss rather than the transfer.
The Fusha version is understood everywhere, but local dialects have their own variations.
In modern slang, 'Saqitah' can be an insult, but in this proverb, it strictly means a 'fallen thing/word'. Context is key.
Related Phrases
مصائب قوم عند قوم فوائد
synonymThe misfortunes of some are benefits to others.
الحيطان لها آذان
similarThe walls have ears.
الفرصة لا تأتي مرتين
contrastOpportunity doesn't knock twice.
من فمك أدينك
builds onFrom your own mouth, I judge/convict you.
