«زَيِّ القَرْع يِمِد بَرَّا»

The saying faults a person whose benefits reach distant people while those nearest to them get nothing. Their goodwill, help, or resources flow outward to strangers instead of staying with family and close associates, who arguably have the first claim on them.

The picture comes from the garden: a squash or gourd plant that grows long pushes its runners past the row where it was sown. The image rests on the trailing vine spreading outside its own bed, not on the specific crop.

Said reproachfully about someone generous or attentive toward outsiders while family, neighbors, or close circle go without. Its critical tone can sound like an accusation when aimed at a real person.