The payoff isn’t worth the trouble

Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-09-27

Meaning: Verified

English translation: The payoff isn’t worth the trouble.
Literal wording: The reward is not equal to the hardship.

Meaning and lesson: The benefit of an undertaking is too small to justify the effort it requires.
When it is used: Said when a task demands more work or difficulty than its likely return warrants.

Register: Colloquial

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PROVERB (ARABIC)
«اِلْأَجْرْ مُوشْ قَدِّ المَشَقَّهْ»
Literal translation: The reward is not equal to the hardship.
Natural translation: The payoff isn’t worth the trouble.
Meaning: The benefit of an undertaking is too small to justify the effort it requires.
Used when: Said when a task demands more work or difficulty than its likely return warrants.

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Review state: Verified
Last reviewed: 2026-09-27
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