ProverbHub
Arabic · Arabic scriptProverb: Verified

«مِنْ كَلْ بَلَاشْ رَاحْ بَلَاشْ»

Meanings

Each meaning is reviewed on its own.

Meaning: Verified
English translation

Live off other people's bread, and you leave with no one sorry to see you go.

Literal wording

Whoever ate for nothing went off for nothing.

Meaning and lesson

Someone who takes a living from others without contributing earns no claim on their loyalty or affection. The repeated بلاش ('for nothing') frames both the free food and the departure that follows as counting for nothing: no one grieves or asks what became of them.

As a warning, the saying holds that regard is earned by giving. Sponging may seem a cheap way to live, but it leaves behind no gratitude, respect, or grief. The verb راح ('went') may refer to leaving, losing favor, or dying.

When it is used

Said of someone who lived off others' generosity and gave nothing back, especially once they leave and nobody misses them. Also serves as a pointed warning against freeloading, though it can sound harsh when aimed at a specific person.

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