«رَعِّي الرَّاعِي وِرَاعِيهْ»

Putting someone in charge of your affairs does not release you from responsibility. Once you have entrusted your flock to a shepherd, you still need to look in on him and keep track of how he handles what is yours. The Arabic plays on one root meaning both to herd and to watch over.

More broadly, the proverb argues that delegation and supervision belong together. Even a reliable worker, agent, or caretaker should be followed up on, because neglect by the owner invites carelessness and loss. The point is ongoing oversight, not distrust or a charge of dishonesty against the helper.

Fits situations where someone hands a task, property, or responsibility to another person and assumes the matter is settled. It serves as gentle advice to stay involved and check on the work, even when the person chosen is capable and trusted, not as an accusation against them.