You've become too dear, though rice…

Explore Arabic traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-23

Meaning: Verified

English translation: You've become too dear, though rice is cheap.
Literal wording: You became expensive, while rice became cheap.

Meaning and lesson: Addressed to a friend who has stayed away, this saying voices hurt at their absence. It portrays the friend as having become too important or inaccessible to maintain the former closeness.
The contrast between the person's increased “price” and cheap rice gives the rebuke its force. Rather than discussing a purchase, it challenges the distance that has interrupted visits and companionship.
When it is used: Use it to reproach a friend who has withdrawn from their companions or no longer comes to see them. Its wording presents the separation as an unjustified sense of distance or self-importance.

Cite or copy proverb

PROVERB (ARABIC)
«إِنْتَ غْلِيتْ وِالرُّز رُخُصْ»
Literal translation: You became expensive, while rice became cheap.
Natural translation: You've become too dear, though rice is cheap.
Meaning: Addressed to a friend who has stayed away, this saying voices hurt at their absence. It portrays the friend as having become too important or inaccessible to maintain the former closeness.

The contrast between the person's increased “price” and cheap rice gives the rebuke its force. Rather than discussing a purchase, it challenges the distance that has interrupted visits and companionship.
Used when: Use it to reproach a friend who has withdrawn from their companions or no longer comes to see them. Its wording presents the separation as an unjustified sense of distance or self-importance.

Permanent link: https://proverbhub.com/proverb/youve-become-too-dear-though-rice-is-cheap
Review state: Verified
Last reviewed: 2026-10-23
ProverbHub editorial content is licensed CC BY 4.0.

How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.

Report an issue with this meaning

Meanings