«اِللِّي يْرُشَّكْ بِالْمَيَّهْ رُشُّهْ بِالدَّم»

This traditional saying presents retaliation as escalation: even a minor injury or insult should be answered with a much harsher response. The contrast between water and blood makes the intended disproportionality deliberately stark.

It voices a hard-line warning that someone who begins a small provocation may invite grave reprisal. Rather than endorsing measured justice, restraint, or reconciliation, the saying dramatizes an uncompromising retaliatory posture.

It may be quoted when describing a stance of severe retaliation after a slight or provocation. Its violent image and advocacy of disproportionate revenge make it forceful rhetoric, not practical counsel for resolving conflict.