- English translation
"Barber, tell me, is my hair still dark or turning gray?" He answered, "Any second now it'll fall on you, and you can see for yourself."
- Literal wording
O uncle, O barber, is the hair of my head black or white? He said: Right now it will come down onto you and you will see it.
- Meaning and lesson
A customer in the barber's chair, respectfully calling the older man 'uncle,' asks whether his hair is black or white, meaning dark or graying. The barber says the cut hair is about to drop onto him, where he can look for himself. Asking is pointless when the answer is moments away and plain to see.
More broadly, the saying pokes fun at needless impatience. Whatever is bound to come to light will soon reveal itself, so there is little sense in pressing others for answers or speculating anxiously. Waiting a little brings certainty without any effort.
- When it is used
Use this as a lighthearted reply to someone who keeps asking about an outcome that will become obvious on its own shortly, such as results about to be announced or a package about to be opened. It gently teases their impatience rather than scolding.
- Register
- colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: "Barber, tell me, is my hair still dark or turning gray?" He answered, "Any second now it'll fall on you, and you can see for yourself."