- English translation
I taught him how to steal, and the first thing he did was slip his hand into my own clothes.
- Literal wording
I taught him stealing; he put his hand in the cloth.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying captures the bitter irony of passing on a skill only to become its first victim. A teacher shows someone how to steal, and the pupil's opening move is to reach into the teacher's own clothing. Ingratitude is the core charge: the beneficiary repays instruction by exploiting the person who gave it.
More broadly, it warns that empowering others carries risk, since those who learn your methods also learn your weak points. It can voice regret over misplaced trust, mock someone who naively armed a rival, or caution against teaching tricks to a person of doubtful character who may turn them back on you.
- When it is used
Use it ruefully when someone you trained, helped, or mentored turns that very help against you, especially when the betrayal comes quickly or targets you first. It suits wry complaint or warning rather than formal accusation.
- Register
- Colloquial Arabic
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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