Meaning
Dishonest money never brings benefit.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Barakah' is central here. People believe that God puts a special blessing in 'Halaal' (honest) money, making it last longer and provide more happiness. The proverb aligns with the Islamic teaching that 'Haraam' (forbidden) wealth will be a source of punishment or loss in this world and the next. The 'mori' (open drain) is a specific architectural memory of old cities. Even though modern cities have closed sewers, the word 'mori' remains a powerful symbol of filth. Among traditional traders (Bazaaris), reputation and 'clean' dealings are highly valued. This proverb is a warning against 'black marketing' or hoarding.
Use for Poetic Justice
This phrase is most satisfying when used to describe 'poetic justice'—where the punishment perfectly fits the crime.
Don't be Cruel
Avoid using this if someone is grieving a loss, unless you are 100% sure the money was stolen.
Meaning
Dishonest money never brings benefit.
Use for Poetic Justice
This phrase is most satisfying when used to describe 'poetic justice'—where the punishment perfectly fits the crime.
Don't be Cruel
Avoid using this if someone is grieving a loss, unless you are 100% sure the money was stolen.
The 'Haram' Variation
If you want to sound more serious or religious, use 'Haram ka maal mori mein'.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
چوری کا مال _______ میں۔
The standard proverb is 'Chori ka maal mori mein.'
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Chori ka maal mori mein'?
Situation: A man cheats in a lottery, wins $100, but then his car gets towed and he has to pay a $100 fine.
The proverb applies to any dishonest gain that is subsequently lost to misfortune.
Complete the dialogue.
احمد: اس نے رشوت لی تھی، اب اس کا سارا پیسہ ہسپتال کے بلوں میں جا رہا ہے۔ سارہ: بالکل ٹھیک کہا، _________۔
Sarah is agreeing that dishonest money (bribe) is being wasted on misfortune (hospital bills).
Match the proverb to the correct moral lesson.
Proverb: چوری کا مال موری میں
The proverb specifically targets the futility of ill-gotten gains.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesچوری کا مال _______ میں۔
The standard proverb is 'Chori ka maal mori mein.'
Situation: A man cheats in a lottery, wins $100, but then his car gets towed and he has to pay a $100 fine.
The proverb applies to any dishonest gain that is subsequently lost to misfortune.
احمد: اس نے رشوت لی تھی، اب اس کا سارا پیسہ ہسپتال کے بلوں میں جا رہا ہے۔ سارہ: بالکل ٹھیک کہا، _________۔
Sarah is agreeing that dishonest money (bribe) is being wasted on misfortune (hospital bills).
Proverb: چوری کا مال موری میں
The proverb specifically targets the futility of ill-gotten gains.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not a swear word, but it is 'earthy.' It refers to a sewer or drain. It's fine for casual conversation but avoid it in formal speeches.
Yes, but it's usually reserved for more significant financial matters. Using it for a pen would be humorous or sarcastic.
No, it applies to bribes, cheating, gambling, or any money earned without honest labor.
Not exactly, but 'Mehnat ka phal meetha hai' (The fruit of hard work is sweet) is the positive counterpart.
Because a drain represents a place where things become 'unclean' and are lost forever, mirroring the 'unclean' nature of the stolen money.
Only if you are discussing an unethical competitor in a very casual way. Otherwise, use more professional language.
Yes, in Urdu, 'maal' is always masculine, so you use 'ka' and 'mein'.
Yes, it is very common on social media and in memes about corruption.
The proverb implies that even if they keep it, they won't *benefit* from it. It will be spent on bad things.
Yes, it is identical in Hindi and used in the same way.
Related Phrases
حرام کی کمائی
similarForbidden earnings
جیسا کرو گے ویسا بھرو گے
builds onAs you sow, so shall you reap
ایمانداری بہترین حکمت عملی ہے
contrastHonesty is the best policy
مالِ مفت، دلِ بے رحم
similarFree wealth makes a heart merciless
