ProverbHub
Arabic · Arabic scriptProverb: Verified

«إِنْتَ شِيخْ وَالَّا حَد قَالْ لَكْ»

Meanings

Each meaning is reviewed on its own.

Meaning: Verified
English translation

Are you a mind-reader, or did somebody tell you?

Literal wording

Are you a sheikh, or did someone tell you?

Meaning and lesson

This is said in surprise when someone seems to know a thought, intention, or piece of information that the speaker never openly shared. It challenges how that person could have known it, often with a playful edge.

The saying contrasts secret knowledge with being informed by another person. Here “sheikh” alludes to a traditional image of hidden knowledge, not a claim about sheikhs. Depending on tone, it may express amused amazement, mild suspicion that news has travelled, or disbelief at an accurate guess.

When it is used

Use it conversationally after someone correctly anticipates what you were thinking or knows something you assumed was private. It can be teasing among familiar people, but a sharper delivery may imply suspicion of gossip or that someone disclosed personal information.

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