«زَيِّ الْحُمَارْ مَا يْجِيشِ إِلَّا بِالنَّخْسْ»

The expression describes someone who will not comply or do what is asked of them through gentle means; the verb often rendered 'come' here means yielding, not arriving. Polite requests, patience, and persuasion achieve nothing; only firm pressure finally gets them moving, much as a balky donkey stands still until it feels the goad.

In effect, the speaker is passing judgment on a person's character, calling them obstinate and unresponsive to reason. The saying presents force as the speaker's complaint about that refusal, describing someone's stubbornness rather than recommending that people be treated roughly.

Said, often with exasperation, about a person who ignores requests and kindness and cooperates only under pressure or firm handling. Likening someone to a donkey is insulting; aimed directly at a person, it can wound or provoke, so it suits complaint or banter, not polite address.