«اِلْخَبَّازْ شِرِيكِ الْمِحْتِسِبْ»

The saying exposes a corrupt bond between a regulator and those he regulates. The muhtasib was a historical official who supervised markets, weights, and trade practices. A baker who pays him off can short his loaves or cheat on quality without fear, because the inspector, his ironic "partner," is an accomplice sharing the gain.

The baker is only an illustrative figure, not a charge against bakers as a group; bread was likely chosen because everyone depends on it. More broadly, the phrase can describe any situation where oversight has been bought and the watchdog quietly profits from the offenses he is supposed to stop.

Suitable for wry or critical remarks when an inspector, auditor, or official seems to protect the very trader or party he should be checking. It carries an accusation of bribery or collusion, so using it about a specific person is pointed and potentially insulting.