«حَدِّ يْقُولْ لِلْغُولْ: عِينَكْ حَمْرَهْ؟!»

The saying describes a person whose strength and capacity for violence put them beyond criticism, picturing them as the ghoul, a man-eating creature of Arab folklore. The red eye stands for any flaw: everyone may notice it, but nobody is reckless enough to mention it, because the cost would fall on the speaker.

Phrased as a rhetorical question expecting the answer "no one," it carries a quiet irony about fear and honesty. Those most in need of correction are often the least likely to hear it, and the silence around them reflects intimidation rather than approval.

Use it when people stay silent about the faults of someone feared and harsh, such as a strongman, to ask rhetorically who would dare speak up. It can wryly note that silence. Aim it at the situation rather than directly at the powerful person.