Saturday, May 23, 2026

Their wind is southerly. ريحهما جنوب

This proverb is used for those who are on good terms; if their relationship sours, it is said: their wind has turned southerly. And he said:

By my life, if the wind of affection has become northerly, it has changed from southerly.

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The Arabic proverb "Their wind is from the south" is used to describe two people who are on good terms and in harmony, because the south wind was considered gentle and pleasant by the Arabs. Thus, the proverb became a metaphor for affection, friendship, and good agreement.

The closest English equivalents are:

They get along well.

They are on good terms.

They are as thick as thieves. This is said to describe a very close and intimate relationship.

There is no bad blood between them.

If the intended meaning is closer to the image of a pleasant wind and harmony, the closest equivalents are:

Their relationship is smooth sailing.

However, when a relationship deteriorates, the expression "Their wind has turned sour" is equivalent to:

Things have turned sour between them.

Their friendship has cooled.

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يضرب للمتصافيين، فإذا تكدر حالهما قيل: شملت ريحهما، وقال:
لعمري لئن ريح المودة         أصبحت شمالا لقد بدلت وهي جنوب

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