Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-23
Meaning: Verified- English translation
A hand that does no work is like a dirty hand.
- Literal wording
The idle hand is unclean.
- Meaning and lesson
This proverb uses “unclean” figuratively to give the inactive hand a morally negative image; it is not a claim about sanitation.
It serves as a forceful call to work and casts laziness and inactivity in strongly disapproving terms.
- When it is used
Use this proverb when encouraging someone to undertake work or when expressing disapproval of laziness and inactivity.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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