«لَا صَاحِبْ بِقِينَا وَلَا عَلِيلْ دَاوِينَا»

The saying sums up a double loss: someone gave up one good thing for the sake of another, and in the end held neither. The first clause means failing to keep a companion, not failing to stay. The relationship was spent, and the hoped-for result never arrived.

Its sting comes from misplaced goodwill. Kindness shown to a friend's adversary looked generous, but it cost the friendship and still did no good. The phrase therefore warns against ventures that betray an existing loyalty, especially when success is uncertain and the price of failure falls on a valued bond.

Say it ruefully after taking a risky step that alienated someone close, such as helping a rival or opponent, only to see that effort fail. It suits self-mockery or a sympathetic remark to someone who chose badly and gained nothing.