«اِلْقَاضِي إِنْ مَد إِيدُهْ كِتْرِتْ شُهُودِ الزُّورْ»

The saying traces a chain of cause and effect inside a court. Once the judge “stretches out his hand,” an image for taking a bribe, to favor a side, dishonest cases become winnable, and people willing to testify falsely suddenly find steady work. Bribery at the bench creates demand for perjury below it.

More broadly, it is a warning that corruption flows downward from those in authority. When the one at the top bends the rules, everyone beneath learns that lies pay, and wrongdoing multiplies across the whole system. Reform, by this logic, must begin with leadership.

Fits commentary on institutions where leaders tolerate or profit from dishonesty, especially to explain why misconduct spreads among subordinates. It works as a pointed criticism of officials, so it may sound accusatory when aimed at a particular person.