Maahmaah Soomaali

Discover the wisdom of East Africa through traditional Somali proverbs

🌟 Proverb of the Day

Waraabe ulla lala gaadhi waa, orodna wax lagaga dhibi waa
The hyena can't be reached by stick or outrun by foot
Some problems can't be solved by force — they need wit

Meaning: When he comes, he brings news; when he leaves, he takes news

Context: Gossipers spread in all directions — guard your words around them

Meaning: As you break, so you're bandaged

Context: Help matches your wound — consequences fit actions

Meaning: Deceive me once, God curse you; deceive me twice, I blame myself

Context: Learn from betrayal — wisdom comes after the first mistake

Meaning: A muddy reed is peeled one at a time

Context: Problems are solved step by step — patience removes difficulty

Meaning: It doesn't swing, so what does it lick?

Context: Used to mock laziness — if you don't act, you gain nothing

Meaning: Will you share with the ignorant or drink the sea?

Context: Don't rely on fools — ignorance gives no benefit

Meaning: She who doesn't wait gets no dowry

Context: Patience brings reward — haste ruins opportunity

Meaning: Will you jump at once or move inch by inch?

Context: Asking whether to act boldly or gradually — strategy depends on courage

Meaning: Will you choose what benefits you but harms your son, or what harms you but helps him?

Context: A test of selflessness — good parents sacrifice for their children

Meaning: I don't remember, and I don't bury myself

Context: Forgetfulness excuses fault — humor about human imperfection

Meaning: By day speak only to whom your eye reaches; by night only to whom your hand reaches

Context: Act within your limits — caution ensures safety

Meaning: By day elders gather, by night women gather

Context: Every group has its own time and space — respect boundaries

Meaning: Today I wash my hands, let others tend the camels

Context: A declaration of rest or withdrawal — knowing when to stop

Meaning: One can't endure a visible head wound or a drawn knife

Context: Obvious danger demands response — don't ignore threats

Meaning: When benefit is given, one doesn't remain poor

Context: Sharing wealth uplifts all — generosity enriches

Meaning: The one who flies with purpose succeeds; the one who flies with envy fails

Context: Intentions decide outcomes — act from purpose, not jealousy

Meaning: Don't insult another's town while staying in yours

Context: Respect other communities — don't mock what you don't know

Meaning: You can't trust the mind of a head you don't own

Context: Don't depend on others' judgment — think for yourself

Meaning: The glutton eventually shows himself

Context: Greed reveals itself — hidden excess can't last

Meaning: Is it the pain of kinship, or the tightness beneath you that hurts?

Context: Distinguish between inner and outer causes — understand your true problem