This was between two people—where…

Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-09-27

Meaning: Verified

English translation: This was between two people—where did a third come into it?
Literal wording: We are two, and where did the third come to us from?

Meaning and lesson: A third person is intruding into a matter that concerns only two people.
When it is used: Said to object when someone inserts themselves into a matter between two others.

Register: Colloquial

Cite or copy proverb

PROVERB (ARABIC)
«إِحْنَا اتْنِينْ وِالتَّالِتْ جَانَا مِنِينْ»
Literal translation: We are two, and where did the third come to us from?
Natural translation: This was between two people—where did a third come into it?
Meaning: A third person is intruding into a matter that concerns only two people.
Used when: Said to object when someone inserts themselves into a matter between two others.

Permanent link: https://proverbhub.com/proverb/this-was-between-two-people-where-did-a-third-come-into-it
Review state: Verified
Last reviewed: 2026-09-27
ProverbHub editorial content is licensed CC BY 4.0.

How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.

Report an issue with this meaning

Meanings