Ask him about his father, and he…

Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-09-27

Meaning: Verified

English translation: Ask him about his father, and he gives you his uncle’s name instead: Shuayb.
Literal wording: I ask him about his father, and he tells me, “My mother’s brother is Shuayb.”

Meaning and lesson: Someone answers a question with information about a different subject.
When it is used: Said when a person’s reply misses what was asked and turns to something else.

Register: Colloquial Arabic

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PROVERB (ARABIC)
«أَسْأَلُهْ عَنْ أَبُوهْ يِقُولْ لِي: خَالِي شعِيبْ»
Literal translation: I ask him about his father, and he tells me, “My mother’s brother is Shuayb.”
Natural translation: Ask him about his father, and he gives you his uncle’s name instead: Shuayb.
Meaning: Someone answers a question with information about a different subject.
Used when: Said when a person’s reply misses what was asked and turns to something else.

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Review state: Verified
Last reviewed: 2026-09-27
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