Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-02
Sense: Verified- English translation
“Come on, Abu al-Rish, ride!” “I would, if there were even a nag left for me.”
- Literal wording
“Mount up, Abu al-Rish!” He replied, “Enough—if a nag were left.”
- Meaning and lesson
The proverb highlights the futility of telling someone to act when the basic means of doing so are unavailable.
The reply challenges the assumption behind the command, rather than the task itself: willingness cannot make up for the absence of something essential.
- When it is used
It can be used in response to a request that overlooks a practical necessity, such as asking someone to travel without transport or complete a job without the needed equipment. The emphasis is on what is lacking, not on an unwillingness to help.
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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