في كل تأخير خير
Every delay has good in it
Literally: Every delay has in it a good thing
Use this to comfort someone facing a delay by suggesting a hidden blessing awaits them.
In 15 Seconds
- A comforting phrase used when things are delayed or postponed.
- Suggests that every setback contains a hidden, positive blessing.
- Promotes patience and trust in life's natural timing.
Meaning
This phrase is a comforting reminder that even when things are delayed or don't go according to plan, there is a hidden blessing or benefit waiting for you. It’s the ultimate Arabic 'don't sweat it' for when life's timing feels off.
Key Examples
3 of 6Missing a bus with a friend
فاتنا الباص، معلش، كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة.
We missed the bus, it's okay, every delay has good in it.
A business meeting gets postponed
تأجل الاجتماع للأسبوع الجاي، كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة إن شاء الله.
The meeting was postponed to next week; every delay has good in it, God willing.
Texting a friend about a late package
لسه ما وصل الطرد؟ كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة!
The package hasn't arrived yet? Every delay has good in it!
Cultural Background
This phrase is one of the most common idioms across the entire Arab world, from Morocco to Iraq. It embodies the cultural value of 'Sabr' (patience) and the belief that humans cannot see the full picture of fate. It became a linguistic staple because it provides an immediate psychological 'reset' during stressful situations.
The Short Version
If you want to sound like a local, just say `فيها خيرة`. It’s punchy and carries the exact same weight.
Timing is Everything
Wait for the initial frustration to peak before saying it. If you say it the second something goes wrong, it might annoy them!
In 15 Seconds
- A comforting phrase used when things are delayed or postponed.
- Suggests that every setback contains a hidden, positive blessing.
- Promotes patience and trust in life's natural timing.
What It Means
Life rarely follows our perfect schedules. You miss your flight. Your coffee order gets lost. Your promotion is postponed. In these moments, we usually feel frustrated. This phrase flips the script. It suggests that the delay isn't a failure. Instead, it is a protection or a better opportunity in disguise. It is deeply rooted in the idea of trust in a higher plan.
How To Use It
You use it as a response to bad timing. It acts as a verbal pat on the back. When you see a friend fuming because their car won't start, say it softly. It shifts the energy from anger to acceptance. You don't need a long setup. Just drop the phrase and watch the tension melt away. It’s short, rhythmic, and very easy to remember.
When To Use It
Use it in almost any daily inconvenience. Use it at a restaurant when the food is late. Use it when a meeting gets rescheduled for the third time. It’s perfect for texting a friend who is stuck in traffic. It also works for bigger life events. If a wedding is postponed or a house sale falls through, this phrase provides deep comfort.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in genuine tragedies or emergencies. If someone is rushing to the hospital, don't tell them the delay is 'good.' That feels dismissive. Also, don't use it to justify your own laziness. If you are late because you overslept, saying كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة sounds like a bad excuse. Use it for external delays, not personal negligence.
Cultural Background
This expression is a cornerstone of Arab optimism. It stems from the concept of Tawakkul, or trusting in God's plan. It reflects a culture that values patience over frantic rushing. In the Middle East, time is often seen as fluid. People believe that what is meant for you will reach you. Even if it takes a little longer than expected.
Common Variations
You will often hear people shorten it to just فيها خيرة (Fiha khira). This means "There is good in it." In some Gulf dialects, you might hear كل طقة بتعلّومة, which is slightly different but carries a similar 'everything happens for a reason' vibe. However, the original phrase remains the most popular across all Arab borders.
Usage Notes
This phrase is extremely versatile. It sits comfortably in the 'neutral' register, making it safe for learners to use in almost any social situation where a delay occurs.
The Short Version
If you want to sound like a local, just say `فيها خيرة`. It’s punchy and carries the exact same weight.
Timing is Everything
Wait for the initial frustration to peak before saying it. If you say it the second something goes wrong, it might annoy them!
The Rhyme Factor
The phrase rhymes in Arabic (`ta'khira` and `khira`). This makes it very satisfying to say and easy to remember.
Examples
6فاتنا الباص، معلش، كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة.
We missed the bus, it's okay, every delay has good in it.
A classic way to keep spirits high during a minor travel hiccup.
تأجل الاجتماع للأسبوع الجاي، كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة إن شاء الله.
The meeting was postponed to next week; every delay has good in it, God willing.
Used here to maintain professional optimism despite a schedule change.
لسه ما وصل الطرد؟ كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة!
The package hasn't arrived yet? Every delay has good in it!
A lighthearted way to deal with the frustration of online shopping.
الأكل اتأخر كتير، بس يلا، كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة.
The food is very late, but oh well, every delay has good in it.
Using humor to stay patient while hungry.
لا تحزني على تأجيل العرس، كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة.
Don't be sad about the wedding delay; every delay has good in it.
Providing deep emotional support during a significant life event.
راحت علي الطيارة، الحمد لله، كل تأخيرة فيها خيرة.
I missed my flight, thank God, every delay has good in it.
Expressing gratitude and acceptance in a high-stress situation.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase.
كل تأخيرة فيها ___.
The word `خيرة` (khira) means 'goodness' or 'blessing' and completes the rhyme and meaning.
In which situation would you NOT use this phrase?
لا تستخدم هذا التعبير عندما ___.
You should not use this phrase during serious accidents or tragedies as it can seem insensitive.
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Visual Learning Aids
Formality and Social Setting
Texting friends or complaining to siblings.
Late for a movie.
Talking to a colleague or a shopkeeper.
Waiting for a document.
Used in speeches or formal letters of encouragement.
Addressing a delayed project.
When to say 'Kull ta'khira fiha khira'
Traffic Jam
Stuck on the highway.
Job Search
Interview result is late.
Travel
Train is cancelled.
Social Life
Friend is running late.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile it has spiritual roots in the concept of fate, it is used by everyone regardless of their religious background as a general cultural idiom.
It's better to apologize first. If you say it about your own lateness, it might sound like you aren't taking responsibility.
Yes, this phrase is 'Pan-Arabic.' Whether you are in Cairo, Dubai, or Beirut, people will understand and use it.
There isn't a direct opposite, but people might say العجلة من الشيطان (Haste is from the devil) to encourage taking one's time.
Rarely. It is almost always used sincerely to provide comfort or to express personal resignation to a situation.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend without any issues.
The 'kh' is a raspy sound from the back of the throat, like the 'ch' in 'Loch Ness' or 'Bach'.
You can say الحمد لله (Alhamdulillah) which means 'Praise be to God' or simply ونِعم بالله (And trust is in God).
Absolutely. It’s often used for things like a delayed graduation or a long wait for a visa.
In this context, it means 'the best option' or 'a blessing.' It comes from the same root as 'Khayr' (Good).
Related Phrases
لعله خير
فيها خيرة
كل شيء بوقته حلو
الصبر مفتاح الفرج
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