«عَشَرِةِ اللِّيلْ تِسْعِينْ»

Darkness hides the true measure of things, so whatever is seen at night tends to look far bigger, more numerous, or more serious than it is. Ten and ninety are figurative, not exact counts: a modest amount seems enormous when it cannot be examined. The first word means "ten," not the similar word for companionship.

More broadly, the saying warns against judging under conditions that obscure the facts. Impressions formed without clear sight are inflated, so it is wiser to wait until things can be inspected properly before reaching conclusions. Its point is distorted perception, not that night is dangerous or sinful.

Use it when someone judges size, quantity, cost, or seriousness in darkness or uncertainty and overestimates. It suits advice to wait for daylight or clearer facts before deciding, buying, or panicking.