- English translation
Anyone from outside, even Jews and Christians, just not the neighborhood lads.
- Literal wording
For the Jews and the Christians, and not for the sons of the quarter.
- Meaning and lesson
At its root, the saying voices a woman selling sex who takes clients from far away, even men of another faith, yet refuses the men of her own quarter, who would recognize her and spread word of her trade among her neighbors.
More broadly, it describes dealing freely with distant outsiders while shutting out those close at hand, to hide one's conduct from people who know you. Naming Jews and Christians reflects the old saying's framing of them as outsiders of another faith, not a view to endorse.
- When it is used
Fits someone who deals with remote outsiders but keeps neighbors at arm's length to keep private matters from gossip. Its prostitution image can sound like a sexual slur against a real woman, and its casting of Jews and Christians as outsiders may offend; keep it to informal, knowing company.
- Register
- colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Anyone from outside, even Jews and Christians, just not the neighborhood lads.