Check if the Arabic expression has a homonymous root in Syriac or Aramaic with a different meaning that fits the context.
"Salaam," I said, using an Arabic expression for peace.
The word is a less corrupt form of the Arabic expression from which "zenith" also comes.
One of our guards introduced himself as "Qari," an Arabic expression for someone who had memorized the Koran.
It is a common Islamic Arabic expression.
Then, using an Arabic expression that means "if God is willing," he said, "Inshallah, tonight I will be home."
Later on, however, preaching in colloquial languages, while often retaining certain Arabic expressions, has become increasingly common.
"We have our hands on our hearts," he said, using an Arabic expression that means, roughly, "We're hoping for the best."
"There is an old Arabic expression," he added.
Seventy-two, he says, is just an Arabic expression for "countless."