B2 Proverb Formal

العين لا تعلو الحاجب

al-'ayn la ta'lu al-hajib

The eye cannot rise above the eyebrow

Significado

A subordinate cannot surpass or disrespect a superior; know your place.

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Contexto cultural

In the Levant, this proverb is often used to settle family disputes. If a younger brother speaks out of turn, an elder might say this to remind him of the family structure. Egyptians use this phrase frequently in the 'Sha'abi' (popular/working class) quarters to show respect to the 'Mo'allem' (boss/master of a trade). In the Gulf, it is deeply tied to the concept of 'Majlis' etiquette. You would use it when deferring to a tribal elder or a senior official. While understood, they sometimes use 'الفرخ ما يقرّي بّاه' (The chick doesn't teach its father) as a more colorful local equivalent.

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Use it to deflect compliments

If an older person praises you, saying this makes you look incredibly cultured and humble.

⚠️

Don't use it to sound superior

Never say this to someone younger to 'put them in their place.' It's for the junior to say to the senior.

Significado

A subordinate cannot surpass or disrespect a superior; know your place.

🎯

Use it to deflect compliments

If an older person praises you, saying this makes you look incredibly cultured and humble.

⚠️

Don't use it to sound superior

Never say this to someone younger to 'put them in their place.' It's for the junior to say to the senior.

Teste-se

Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.

العين لا _______ على الحاجب.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: تعلو

The subject 'Al-ayn' is feminine singular, so the verb must be 'ta'lu'.

In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?

You are a young doctor talking to the veteran surgeon who trained you.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: When you thank him for his guidance during your graduation.

The proverb is used to show humility and acknowledge a mentor's role.

What is the literal meaning of 'Al-Hajib'?

ما هو المعنى الحرفي لكلمة 'الحاجب'؟

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: The Eyebrow

Hajib means eyebrow. It comes from the root H-J-B (to veil/protect).

Complete the dialogue.

الأب: يا بني، لقد أصبحت أغنى مني الآن. الابن: يا أبي، المال لا يغير شيئاً، فـ ________________.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: العين لا تعلو على الحاجب

The son is showing humility to his father despite his wealth.

🎉 Pontuação: /4

Recursos visuais

Banco de exercicios

4 exercicios
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form. Fill Blank B1

العين لا _______ على الحاجب.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: تعلو

The subject 'Al-ayn' is feminine singular, so the verb must be 'ta'lu'.

In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate? situation_matching B2

You are a young doctor talking to the veteran surgeon who trained you.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: When you thank him for his guidance during your graduation.

The proverb is used to show humility and acknowledge a mentor's role.

What is the literal meaning of 'Al-Hajib'? Choose A2

ما هو المعنى الحرفي لكلمة 'الحاجب'؟

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: The Eyebrow

Hajib means eyebrow. It comes from the root H-J-B (to veil/protect).

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

الأب: يا بني، لقد أصبحت أغنى مني الآن. الابن: يا أبي، المال لا يغير شيئاً، فـ ________________.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: العين لا تعلو على الحاجب

The son is showing humility to his father despite his wealth.

🎉 Pontuação: /4

Perguntas frequentes

3 perguntas

No, it is a cultural proverb, though it aligns with Islamic values of respecting elders.

Yes, if you are asked how you handle feedback from senior managers. It shows you respect hierarchy.

In Arabic, most body parts that come in pairs (eyes, hands, ears) are grammatically feminine.

Frases relacionadas

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اليد الواحدة لا تصفق

similar

One hand alone cannot clap.

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رحم الله امرأً عرف قدر نفسه

builds on

God have mercy on him who knows his limits.

🔗

الولد سر أبيه

similar

The son is the secret of his father.

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