ربح الرهان

You treat this like a standard verb-object phrase. The verb is ربح (to win). You can conjugate it for anyone. For example, ربحتُ الرهان means 'I won the bet.' It works perfectly in both speech and writing. You don't need a literal money bet to use it. It is almost always used metaphorically in modern Arabic. Just drop it in after a major success story.

Use it when a friend starts a risky business and succeeds. It is great for sports when an underdog team wins. You can use it in politics when a candidate wins a tough election. If you predicted something would happen and it did, say it proudly. It fits well in professional settings to describe a successful strategy. It also works in personal life for big milestones like graduation.

Do not use this for tiny, everyday wins. If you found a lost sock, you didn't 'win the bet.' It sounds too dramatic for small tasks. Avoid using it in very religious contexts where 'betting' might be sensitive. While it is a metaphor, some might find the gambling reference odd in a mosque. Don't use it if the success was easy and guaranteed. It requires a sense of risk or competition to feel right.

In many Arabic-speaking cultures, gambling is socially and religiously discouraged. However, the language of 'betting' is deeply embedded in the poetry and history. This phrase likely evolved from tribal competitions and horse racing. Today, you will hear it most often in news headlines and sports commentary. It has become a secular way to describe strategic brilliance. It reflects a culture that values courage and taking a stand.

You will often hear كسب الرهان (kasaba al-rihan) as an alternative. Both mean exactly the same thing. In some dialects, people might say فاز بالرهان. In Egyptian Arabic, you might hear كسب التحدي (won the challenge) for a similar vibe. All of these focus on the idea of a struggle ending in victory. Choose the one that feels most natural to your specific region.