Provençal expression

Se fa pas de bèn fa pas de mau

Character

Literal translation

if it does no good, it does no harm

Meaning

it does no harm and no good, so why not do it

Explanation

Used to say that an action, even a pointless one, will do no harm either, so it might as well be done. Pronounced "sé fa pa dé bin fa pa dé maou", it gives the green light to a harmless gesture, as in: "Shall I wash the plates while taking them out of the cupboard? Well, se fa pas de bèn, fa pas de mau!"

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Other expressions on the same theme

Sèmblo un Caramentranto be dressed like a scarecrow Si faire cridato get told off Si faire vèireto see a doctor Si leva de davansto clear off, disappear Sian poulit !we're in a real mess Tant que viro fai de touras long as he's at it, he does nothing else