Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-09-27
Meaning: Verified- English translation
He goes looking for the son he is carrying on his shoulder.
- Literal wording
His son is on his shoulder, yet he looks for him.
- Meaning and lesson
A person may be so distracted that they overlook what they are trying to find, even when it is close by.
- When it is used
Used when someone searches for something without noticing that it is already at hand.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: He goes looking for the son he is carrying on his shoulder.