ProverbHub
Arabic · Arabic scriptProverb: Verified

«بِتَاعِ النَّاسْ كَنَّاسْ»

Meanings

Each meaning is reviewed on its own.

Meaning: Verified
English translation

Ill-gotten property sweeps everything away.

Literal wording

What belongs to other people is a sweeper.

Meaning and lesson

Property acquired through wrongdoing is portrayed as destructive rather than beneficial. Rather than bringing lasting gain, it is expected to disappear and carry away other possessions with it; this is a moral warning, not a literal prediction.

The saying warns that taking what is not rightfully yours can ruin more than the unlawful gain itself. It depicts dishonest acquisition as a force that strips away security and leaves nothing behind.

When it is used

Use this as a warning against profiting from theft, fraud, or other unjust taking. It suits situations where questionable money or property is thought to bring wider losses, especially when someone risks legitimate assets for an unlawful gain.

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