Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-02
Sense: Verified- English translation
“What did you inherit?” “Just one young goat—and it died.”
- Literal wording
“Your father left you what?” He said, “A young goat, and it died.”
- Meaning and lesson
The answer names a single, modest inheritance: a young goat. Its death leaves the recipient without even that small piece of property.
The proverb applies when someone briefly acquires something of little value, then loses it altogether. The point is not merely that the gain was small, but that nothing remains of it.
- When it is used
If someone wins a small cash prize but loses the envelope before spending it, this proverb could describe the disappointment of having gained something only to end up with nothing.
- Register
- Colloquial
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: “What did you inherit?” “Just one young goat—and it died.”