YuriArcursPeopleimages8/Envato Elements
Lave men, siye atè
Meaning
Use this expression to describe wasted effort or an action that defeats its own purpose.
For example, wearing sunglasses in the dark to see better would only make it harder to see.
English Equivalent: It's a waste of effort!
Literal Meaning: Wash your hands, then wipe them on the ground.
Example 1
M pa ka kwè li mete linèt solèy nan fènwa pou l ka wè pi byen. Lave men, siye atè!
I can't believe she's wearing sunglasses in the dark to see better. She's only making it harder to see!
Example 2
Mikwo a pa mache. Poukisa li kontinye ap pale ladan l? Lave men, siye atè!
The microphone isn't working. Why does he keep speaking into it? It's a waste of effort!
Fun Facts
The expression creates the image of someone washing their hands and then immediately wiping them on the ground, making their hands dirty again.
It can describe something that is simply pointless or an action that reverses the benefit of what was just done.
In other words, the person puts forth effort but ends up accomplishing nothing—or even making the situation worse.