Some of the best things I ever learned from my elders are the many Jordanian proverbs and sayings that help me express myself perfectly. Here are some oldies that we still use today!
1. Al Gharkan ma bhemo el balal
Literal meaning: a person who’s drowning won’t care about getting wet
How it’s used: someone who is in the midst of a problem won’t care about other small things.
2. Ghaz raytoh w ma7a seyto
How it’s used: to describe someone who repented and became upstanding
3. 3omr alqaseer ma youkel teen
Literal meaning: A short life doesn’t feed figs
How it’s used: to say that things won’t change or that something is inevitable.
4. Al-3omr ma7doud w al Rab ma3boud
Literal meaning: Life is limited and the Lord is worshipped
How it’s used: to say that something is inevitable.
5. Man raddak reedh w man talab bo3dak jafeeh
Literal meaning: Life is limited and the Lord is worshipped
How it’s used: Treat people in the same manner that they treat you
6. Man yamshi 3ala rijleh, shhoud ma 3aleh
Literal meaning: If they have legs, they can do as they please
How it’s used: To express doubt or distrust in someone, because the person who can walk can do as they please and you’ll never know
7. Mish kil mn saff sawani, halwani
Literal meaning: Not everyone who arranged sweets in a tray is a dessert maker
How it’s used: Towards someone who had a simple task they couldn’t complete
8. Yally ma bya3ref alsaqr yeshwi
Literal meaning: The one who doesn’t know falcons, grills them
How it’s used: Towards someone who is not good at what they do
9. Jajeh 7afret 3ala rasa 3afret
Literal meaning: The chicken dug her head in
How it’s used: For someone who dug a hole then fell in it
10. yally ydeq albab belaqi jawab
Literal meaning: If you knock on the door, you’ll get an answer
How it’s used: For someone who is complaining about being wronged by another
11. Men barra kham w min jouwa skham
Literal meaning: Marble on the outside and scum on the inside
How it’s used: For something/someone who is beautiful on the outside but terrible on the inside
12. Jannet 3ala nafsha braqesh
Literal meaning: Marble on the outside and scum on the inside
How it’s used: For something/someone who is beautiful on the outside but terrible on the inside