Arabic is truly a rich and expressive language. Its idiomatic expressions bring into the light very valuabe   and deep cultural nuances; therefore, mastering these idioms can lighten up your conversations and provide the feeling of being a native speaker. Below, some of the most popular Arabic idioms and their meanings are given in a sample way.

1. مِنْ عَيْنِي (Min ayni)

Literal Translation: From my eye

Meaning: “Gladly” or “It would be my pleasure.”

This is a polite way to say one is willing or even eager to do something for someone.

Example: Person A: هَلْ ُيمْكِنُكَ مُسَاعَدَتِي فِي الوَظَائِفْ المَنْزِلِيَّة؟ (Hal yumkinuka musa‘adati fi al-wadha‘if al-manziliyya?) Can you help me with household chores?

Person B: مِنْ عَيْنِي! (! (Min! (Min ay ni!) With pleasure!

2. يَدْ وَاحِدَة مَا تُصَفِّقْ(Yad wahida ma tusafq)

Literal Translation: One hand doesn‘t clap

Meaning: It takes two to tango, or in other words, teamwork is necessary; a single individual cannot do   much.

This idiom highlights the importance of cooperation.

Example: لَنْ نَنْجَحَ إلاَّ إِذَا عَمِلْنَا مَعَاً. يَدْ وَاحِدَة مَا تُصَفِّق. (Lan nunajih illa idha ‘amalna ma‘an. Yad wahida ma tusafq.) We will only succeed if we work together. One hand doesn‘t clap.

3. الحِلُو مُو كَامِل ((Al-hilu mo kamil)

Literal Translation: The sweet is not complete

Meaning: Nothing is perfect; everything has its flaws.

This saying reminds one to appreciate what he or she has and to stop seeking perfection which can’t be achieved.

Example:

A: .لَوْ كَانَ لَدَّي مَزِيدٌ مِنَ المَال لَكُنْتُ سَعِيداً
Law kana ladayya mazeed min al-mal lakuntu sa‘idan.
If I had more money, I would be happy.

B: .الحٍلُو مُو كَامِل
(Al-hilu mo kamil.)
Nothing is perfect.

4. الزَّمَان يَدُور ( Al-zaman yadoor)

Literal Translation: Time turns
Meaning: What goes around comes around; karma.

This idiom suggests that good and evil deeds have consequences that will, at some point, revert to their original doer.

Example:اُنْظُر كَيْفَ تَغَيَّرَت الظُّرُوف لِصَالِحِي. الزَّمَان يَدُور. (Undhur kayfa taghayarat al-dhuroof l-salhi. Al-zaman yadoor.) See how the circumstances have changed in my favor. Time turns.

5. يَبِيع المَاء فِي حَاَرة السقاين ( Yabee’ al-maa fi harat al-saqayeen)

Literal Translation: He sells water in the neighborhood of water carriers
Meaning: To teach something to him who already knows it; a redundant effort.

This idiom fits perfectly when someone is explaining or offering expertise to a person when it is not needed.

Example:لاَ تَشْرَحْ لِي كَيْفَ أَقُومُ بِعَمَلِي. أَنْتَ تَبِيعُ المَاءَ فِي حَارَة السَقَايِن. (La tushrah li kayfa aqum bi‘amali. Anta tabee‘ al-maa fi harat al-saqayeen.) Don’t explain to me how to do my job. You’re selling water in the neighborhood of water carriers.

Not only will learning idiomatic expressions improve your fluency, but it will also make you closer to the culture. Using these idioms in everyday Arabic conversations will make you impress the native speakers and enhance your knowledge regarding the cultural depth of the language, Click here.