Kabahat samur kürk olsa, kimse sırtına almaz
Literal Translation
Even if a fault were a sable fur coat, no one would put it on their back.
Meaning and Usage
The saying points to a common human tendency to deny wrongdoing and avoid responsibility. No matter how small or obvious a mistake is, admitting fault feels burdensome. Responsibility is treated as something unwanted, even when honesty would be the better choice.
The meaning often appears in situations involving blame, excuses, or shared responsibility, especially when no one wants to step forward and accept their part.
Example Usage
Turkish:
Herkes hatayı başkasına atıyor; kabahat samur kürk olsa, kimse sırtına almaz.
English:
Everyone is blaming someone else; even if a fault were a sable fur coat, no one would wear it.
Cultural Note
Samur kürk once symbolized luxury and high status in Ottoman and earlier Turkish society. By pairing something extremely valuable with the idea of fault, the saying creates a sharp contrast. It suggests that guilt is so undesirable that even luxury cannot make it acceptable to carry.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: In what situations is this saying commonly used?
A: It is often used when responsibility is avoided and blame is passed from one person to another.
Q: Does it sound accusatory?
A: It can sound critical, but it is often delivered with irony rather than anger.
Q: Can it be used in everyday conversation?
A: Yes. It is suitable for both casual speech and reflective commentary.
Q: Does it imply moral judgment?
A: It highlights avoidance of responsibility rather than directly judging the mistake itself.