«اِلشَّرْطْ عَنْدِ الْحَرْتْ وَلَا الْقِتَالْ فِي الْحَصِيدَهْ»

The saying urges people to agree on terms at the very beginning of a shared effort. Setting conditions while the field is still being plowed costs little, while leaving matters vague invites bitter quarrels once the crop is in and there is something real to divide.

Though its imagery comes from farming, it applies to any shared undertaking and favors frank negotiation over politeness that only delays conflict. An uncomfortable talk about shares and obligations at the start beats an open fight later, when interests are fixed and compromise is harder.

Suitable when partners, relatives, or neighbors start a joint venture, hire labor, or split future gains. Say it to urge spelling out shares and duties up front, so later quarrels have nothing to feed on.