- English translation
When faulty goods come back, the shame belongs to the one who sold them.
- Literal wording
The fault of the returned thing is upon its owner.
- Meaning and lesson
Here الرد means goods handed back after purchase because a flaw came to light, not a reply or answer. When such an item is returned, no discredit attaches to the buyer who returns it. The fault lies with the seller who passed off defective goods, and that same seller is bound to take them back.
The Arabic plays on عيب, which names both the physical defect in the goods and the shame or blame of having sold them. The saying should not be read as faulting the person who returns the item; the blame rests with the seller who sold it flawed.
- When it is used
Suited to disputes over defective purchases, when a buyer returns flawed goods and the seller grumbles or resists. It can reassure the buyer, or remind the seller that taking the item back is his duty.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: When faulty goods come back, the shame belongs to the one who sold them.