«اِلْمَيَّهْ لَمَّا تُقْعُدْ فِي الزِّيرْ تِعَطَّنْ»

Even water, welcome and necessary, turns stale and foul-smelling when left standing too long in the zir, the large earthenware vessel that holds a household's drinking supply and is expected to be refreshed. The saying uses this image of decay to argue that anything kept static too long tends to sour.

Applied to people, it warns that a long stay in someone else's home or company gradually turns a welcome presence into a burden. Guests in particular are cautioned that warmth fades when a visit stretches on, so leaving in good time preserves goodwill.

Fits situations where a visitor or houseguest has lingered well past a comfortable stay. It can serve as a gentle self-reminder before overstaying, or as a wry remark about someone else. Said directly to the guest, it can sound like a pointed hint to leave.