Common proverbs in Egypt

Here are some popular proverbs and sayings we use in everyday life in Egypt, along with their meanings:

"اللي ما يعرفش يسأل، يضيع": Elly ma yarefsh yes’al, yedya’

Meaning: If you don’t ask, you’ll get lost. (Encourages asking questions and seeking knowledge.)

"اليد اللي ما تتغسلش ما تتاكلش": El yed elly ma tetghasalsh ma teta’kalsh

Meaning: The hand that is not washed cannot eat. (Emphasizes cleanliness and good hygiene.)

"الجار قبل الدار": El gaar abl el daar

Meaning: The neighbour before the house. (Choose your neighbours carefully; good neighbours are very important.)

"اللي فات مات": Elly faat maat

Meaning: What is past is dead. (Don’t dwell on the past; move on.)

"الباب اللي يجيلك منه الريح، سده واستريح": El baab elly yigeelak menno el reeh, seddo w estareeh

Meaning: Close the door from which the wind blows on you and relax. (Avoid sources of trouble.)