- English translation
When they asked the flour thief to swear his innocence, he just told his wife, "Go on, start sifting."
- Literal wording
They said to the flour thief: "Swear." He said: "O woman, sift!"
- Meaning and lesson
A man suspected of stealing flour is asked to swear he is innocent. Rather than taking the oath, he turns to his wife and tells her to start sifting. That everyday instruction shows the flour is already in his house, so he confesses without saying so.
The saying applies to any situation where the facts announce themselves. When the evidence is plainly visible in what someone does or has, there is no need for oaths, interrogation, or effort to uncover the truth, because the matter has already exposed itself.
- When it is used
Use it humorously when someone asked to deny or prove something has already given the truth away through their own actions, possessions, or careless words, making further questioning pointless. It stresses self-evident proof, not dishonesty in general, so avoid using it simply to call someone a thief.
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- Colloquial Arabic
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: When they asked the flour thief to swear his innocence, he just told his wife, "Go on, start sifting."