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Arabic · Arabic scriptProverb: Verified

«مَبْرُوكِ الطِّهَارَهْ يَا مَعَاشِرِ الْأَمَارَهْ»

Meanings

Each meaning is reviewed on its own.

Meaning: Verified
English translation

Blessings on the circumcision, my noble lords!

Literal wording

Congratulations on the circumcision, O companies of princes!

Meaning and lesson

The saying offers congratulations on a circumcision, the sense of الطهارة here rather than ritual purity or cleanliness, in a deliberately inflated, courtly tone. It addresses humble people as if they were an assembly of princes. The grand address is ironic, not sincere; the gap between that lofty manner and the actual situation creates the mockery.

In practice it mocks someone of little standing who makes a fuss over something minor. The speaker pretends to honor the occasion while signaling that neither the people nor the achievement deserve such ceremony.

When it is used

Said mostly in mockery, with mock solemnity, when someone of modest standing makes much of a small gain, congratulating them as though royalty were celebrating. Because it belittles the person addressed, using it seriously or toward someone sensitive may cause offense.

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Colloquial; typically sarcastic or teasing
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