«إِنْ تَفِّيتْ لِفُوقْ جَتْ عَلَى وِشِّي وَإِنْ تَفِّيتْ لِتَحْتْ جَتْ عَلَى حِجْرِي»

The saying describes a bind in which a hostile response rebounds on the person who makes it. The intended target cannot be harmed without bringing disgrace, injury, or other unwanted consequences back upon oneself.

It applies especially to disputes among closely connected people, whose welfare or standing is intertwined. It counsels restraint when retaliation would damage both sides, rather than serving as a general warning that every action has consequences.

Use it when someone considers retaliating against a close relative or another person whose loss would also harm them. Its deliberately coarse image gives it a blunt, cautionary force, so it may be unsuitable for formal or delicate settings.