- English translation
Tongue of mine, if not for you, the back of my neck would never have taken that slap.
- Literal wording
Were it not for you, O my tongue, you would not have been slapped, O my nape.
- Meaning and lesson
Addressing both their own tongue and the nape of their neck, the speaker blames the tongue as the true culprit: the slap on the nape, a blow of disgrace more than of pain, landed only because of something unwisely said. The blame falls inward rather than on whoever delivered the slap.
More broadly, the saying teaches that careless words are a common path to disgrace and punishment. Guarding one's speech protects one's dignity, and much of the trouble people endure could be avoided if they simply held their tongues at the right moment.
- When it is used
Fits moments of rueful self-reproach after a careless remark has brought on a scolding, punishment, or embarrassment. It can also serve as a gentle warning to someone inclined to speak rashly, reminding them that loose talk invites humiliating consequences.
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- Colloquial Arabic
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Tongue of mine, if not for you, the back of my neck would never have taken that slap.