«اِللِّي تْطَبِّلْ لُهْ يُرْقُصْ»

The proverb shifts attention from an absent result to what set that result in motion. Its drumming-and-dancing image is figurative: before faulting someone for standing back, consider whether anything was done to invite them into the matter or make participation possible.

It expresses a practical view of responsibility: a response is more likely when someone has been called upon and a way to act has been prepared. Blame is misplaced when expectations were left unspoken and no basis for action was created.

Use it to answer criticism of someone’s inaction when nobody involved has first prompted that person or arranged what they would need to take part. It emphasizes that participation cannot reasonably be expected to arise on its own.