«مَا حَدِّشْ يقُولْ: يَا جِنْدِي غَطِّي دَقْنَكْ»

The saying describes a person so powerful and overbearing that nobody around them feels able to offer advice. The 'soldier' here historically meant a powerful Turkish emir or commander, not a rank-and-file soldier. Even a trivial remark, such as suggesting he cover his beard, is unthinkable because speaking up feels too risky.

By choosing such a minor, harmless piece of counsel, the proverb stresses how complete the silence is; the beard is an illustrative example, not a reference to any custom or rule about beards. If no one dares mention something this small, serious criticism is even further out of reach, leaving the mighty person unchecked.

Use when remarking that someone in authority is beyond correction, especially when even minor, well-meant suggestions go unspoken out of fear. It suits wry commentary on overbearing bosses, officials, or domineering figures whose subordinates simply keep quiet and let things stand.