Methali za Kiswahili

Discover the wisdom of East Africa through traditional Swahili proverbs

🌟 Proverb of the Day

Mgonjwa haulizwi uji
A sick person is not asked for porridge
Do not ask for help from someone who is themselves in need
Found 50 proverb(s) starting with "U"

Meaning: The worn-out state of a coir rope is not like the new state of a raffia rope

Context: A worn-out quality item is better than a new but inferior one

Meaning: The tongue has no bone

Context: The tongue is flexible and can be used to say anything, true or false

Meaning: The tongue hurts more than teeth

Context: Words can cause deeper and longer-lasting pain than physical wounds

Meaning: You do not get what you desire, you get what is destined for you

Context: Man proposes, God disposes

Meaning: As you tapped it (the palm wine), so you shall drink it

Context: You must face the consequences of your actions

Meaning: Have you turned into an octopus, that you heap live coals on yourself?

Context: Why are you creating unnecessary problems for yourself?

Meaning: Are you a duck that your mind is with your ducklings?

Context: Are you so distracted or foolishly preoccupied?

Meaning: Are you a Jeta (a spirit), that you do not move?

Context: Why are you sitting idly without taking action?

Meaning: Are you a dugong, that you cannot bear a shock?

Context: Why are you so sensitive or unable to handle pressure?

Meaning: You are blaming the hawk, while the falcon is killing the chickens

Context: You are accusing the wrong person