- English translation
Give my child a single date, and I taste its sweetness myself.
- Literal wording
Whoever fed my little one a date, its sweetness went down into my belly.
- Meaning and lesson
A kindness done to a child is felt just as deeply by the parent. Whoever gives a little one even a small treat, such as a single date, has in effect given the gift to the mother or father. The sweetness in the parent's belly is figurative: they share the child's pleasure as their own.
The date stands for any modest kindness toward a child, not for food in particular. Parents value compassion toward their children very highly, so even a small gesture toward a child earns gratitude and loyalty and can create a strong bond with the whole family.
- When it is used
Suitable when a parent thanks someone for kindness shown to their child, or when explaining why such kindness wins a family's goodwill. It works as warm, heartfelt appreciation rather than formal thanks.
- Register
- Colloquial Arabic
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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