Arabic Idioms That Make You Sound Like a Native Speaker!

[Muhaba]

Assalamo alaikum brothers and sisters,

Ramadan Mubarak.


If you’re learning Arabic and want to go beyond basic sentences, idioms are a fun way to sound more natural. In Supplement 10.2 of my book Arabic Made Easy – 2nd Edition, I collected some common, everyday Arabic idioms with literal translations and real meanings.


Here are a few favorites to get you started:

1. كلامك زي العسل في أذني
   (Kalāmak zay il-ʿasal fī udhnī)
   Literal: “Your words are like honey in my ears”
   Meaning: “Music to my ears” – said when you really love what someone just told you
2. رجع بفلوس حنين
   (Rajaʿa bi-flūs Ḥunayn)
   Literal: “He returned with Hunayn’s sandals”
   Meaning: Came back empty-handed (after failing or getting nothing)
3. على قد لحافك مد رجليك
   (‘Alā qad liḥāfik mid rijlayk)
   Literal: “Stretch your legs according to the length of your blanket”
   Meaning: Live within your means / Don’t spend more than you have
4. الطيور على أشكالها تقع
   (Aṭ-ṭuyūr ʿalā ashkālihā taqaʿ)
   Literal: “Birds fall according to their kind”
   Meaning: Birds of a feather flock together

These are explained with examples and pronunciation in the book so you can use them confidently.


If you’re a beginner looking for structured lessons (alphabet → grammar → practical phrases → idioms & colors), check out Arabic Made Easy – 2nd Edition:
Beginners’ Guide to Learning the Arabic Language
By Kokab Rahman

Available worldwide in ebook and paperback.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arabic-Made-Easy-Beginners-Development/dp/B0DPHQ4F7L
Or check it out at your local Amazon website or bookstore.

Would love to hear which idiom you like best or if you’ve heard others in real conversations!


Happy learning!