Fight someone on their own ground…

Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-09-27

Meaning: Verified

English translation: Fight someone on their own ground, and the people there may fight with them.
Literal wording: The land strikes alongside its people.

Meaning and lesson: In a conflict, a person has an advantage in their own area because people there may come to their aid.
When it is used: Said to explain why someone may be difficult to confront in a place where they have local support.

Register: colloquial

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PROVERB (ARABIC)
«اِلْأَرْضْ تِضْرَبْ وَيَّا اصْحَابْهَا»
Literal translation: The land strikes alongside its people.
Natural translation: Fight someone on their own ground, and the people there may fight with them.
Meaning: In a conflict, a person has an advantage in their own area because people there may come to their aid.
Used when: Said to explain why someone may be difficult to confront in a place where they have local support.

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Review state: Verified
Last reviewed: 2026-09-27
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