Arabic Proverbs

Classical and modern Arabic proverbs, each with its literal translation, real meaning, the situations it fits, and the closest English equivalent.

Sample proverbs

اللي فات مات

Illi faat maat

Literal: What has passed has died

Let go of the past. What is done is done and cannot be changed. Focus on the present and future.

Usage: Used to advise someone to stop dwelling on past mistakes, regrets, or missed opportunities.

≈ “Let bygones be bygones / What's done is done”

العين بصيرة واليد قصيرة

Al-'ayn baseera wal-yad qaseera

Literal: The eye is seeing and the hand is short

You can see what you want or what needs to be done, but you lack the means or ability to achieve it.

Usage: Used when someone desires something but cannot afford it, or when they see a problem but cannot solve it due to limitations.

≈ “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”

الصبر مفتاح الفرج

As-sabr miftaah al-faraj

Literal: Patience is the key to relief

If you are patient through hardship, relief and resolution will eventually come. Patience is the solution to difficulty.

Usage: Said to comfort someone going through a difficult time, encouraging them to endure with patience.

≈ “Patience is a virtue / Good things come to those who wait”

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