- English translation
I gave him a lift behind me on my mount, and he helped himself to what was in my saddlebag.
- Literal wording
I made him ride behind me; he put his hand in the saddlebag.
- Meaning and lesson
The proverb describes kindness repaid with theft. Out of pity, a traveler offers someone a seat on the animal behind him. That closeness lets the passenger slip a hand into the saddlebag, the two-pocket bag slung over the mount for carrying belongings. The favor itself enables the betrayal by placing the guest within reach of everything the host carries.
As a comment on conduct, it warns against doing favors for people who do not deserve them and letting them come too close. Generosity shown to the wrong person does more than go unthanked. It becomes the very route by which that person takes advantage, so the helper ends up as the victim.
- When it is used
Said ruefully, or as a rebuke, when someone you helped or welcomed into your confidence exploits that access to cheat or rob you. It fits personal betrayals in household, business, or neighborly settings, and can be quoted about oneself or about a third party.
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- Colloquial Arabic proverb
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: I gave him a lift behind me on my mount, and he helped himself to what was in my saddlebag.