من تدخل فيما لا يعنيه لقي ما لا يرضيه
man tadakhala fima la ya'nihi laqiya ma la yurdihi
He who interferes finds what displeases him
Meaning
Meddling in others' affairs often leads to unwanted consequences.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, people are very social, but there is a sharp line regarding family honor. Using this proverb is a very serious way to tell someone they have crossed that line. Privacy in the home is sacred. This proverb is often used to discourage 'Laqafa' (nosiness) regarding what happens behind closed doors. Egyptians often use the 'onion' variation, but the MSA version is used in TV dramas and literature to show a character's education and firm stance. There is a strong emphasis on 'Hshouma' (shame/modesty). Meddling is seen as a lack of 'Adab' (manners), and this proverb is a standard educational tool for children.
The 'Half-Proverb' Trick
If you want to be subtle, just say 'من تدخل فيما لا يعنيه...' and trail off. It sounds more menacing and sophisticated.
Don't over-use it
If you use this for every small question, you will seem anti-social. Save it for truly intrusive moments.
Meaning
Meddling in others' affairs often leads to unwanted consequences.
The 'Half-Proverb' Trick
If you want to be subtle, just say 'من تدخل فيما لا يعنيه...' and trail off. It sounds more menacing and sophisticated.
Don't over-use it
If you use this for every small question, you will seem anti-social. Save it for truly intrusive moments.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
من تدخل فيما لا _______ لقي ما لا _______.
The standard proverb uses 'ya'neehi' (concerns him) and 'yurdhihi' (pleases him).
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use this proverb?
A person is asking you about your bank balance.
The proverb is used for intrusive, unnecessary questions, not professional or necessary ones.
Choose the best response to the nosy question.
أحمد: 'لماذا تشاجرت مع زوجتك البارحة؟' أنت: '_______'
This is the classic way to shut down an intrusive personal question.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesمن تدخل فيما لا _______ لقي ما لا _______.
The standard proverb uses 'ya'neehi' (concerns him) and 'yurdhihi' (pleases him).
A person is asking you about your bank balance.
The proverb is used for intrusive, unnecessary questions, not professional or necessary ones.
أحمد: 'لماذا تشاجرت مع زوجتك البارحة؟' أنت: '_______'
This is the classic way to shut down an intrusive personal question.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsIt has religious roots in Islamic ethics, but today it is used by everyone (Muslims, Christians, and secular people) as a general social rule.
No! That would be considered very disrespectful ('Uquq'). Parents are generally seen as having a right to 'interfere' in their children's lives in Arab culture.
Related Phrases
خليك في حالك
synonymStay in your own business/condition.
يا داخل بين البصلة وقشرتها
similarEntering between the onion and its skin.
الفضول قتل القطة
specialized formCuriosity killed the cat.
