ProverbHub
Arabic · Arabic scriptProverb: Verified

«إِنْ سِلِمِ الْمَارِسْ مِنِ الْحَارِسْ فَضْلْ مِنَ اللهْ»

Meanings

Each meaning is reviewed on its own.

Meaning: Verified
English translation

When the guard does not harm what he is meant to protect, it is a blessing.

Literal wording

If the crop row is safe from its guard, that is a favor from God.

Meaning and lesson

The saying expresses distrust of a person entrusted with protection or custody. Its point is that the supposed guardian may be the most immediate danger, so ordinary safety becomes remarkable rather than expected.

It condemns betrayed trust where someone with authority exploits, neglects, or damages what has been placed in that person’s care. The proverb stresses the irony of needing protection from the protector and is not a claim that guardians as a group are untrustworthy.

When it is used

Use it when a custodian, official, supervisor, or other trusted protector appears to endanger people or property under their charge. It is pointed criticism that may sound like a serious allegation against an identifiable person. Because it invokes God, a secular paraphrase may suit settings where religious language is unwelcome.

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