Methali za Kiswahili
Discover the wisdom of East Africa through traditional Swahili proverbs
🌟 Proverb of the Day
Meaning: The path of a liar is short
Context: A liar's deceit is quickly uncovered, leading to their downfall
Meaning: A regularly used path needs no signpost
Context: A familiar or habitual action requires no explanation
Meaning: When a bull breaks its leg, it returns to its yard
Context: In times of trouble, one returns to a place of safety or familiarity
Meaning: A cow is not burdened by its own hump
Context: One is not troubled by their own inherent characteristics or possessions
Meaning: Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone
Context: Persistence and continuous effort overcome great obstacles
Meaning: Where there are many people, there is God
Context: The voice of the people is the voice of God
Meaning: Where there are many people, there is much (to be said)
Context: A crowd generates many ideas and opinions
Meaning: Where there are elders, nothing goes wrong
Context: The guidance of experience prevents mistakes
Meaning: Where there is finery, there is the snare
Context: Temptation and danger often lie where there is beauty or wealth
Meaning: Where there's a will, there's a way
Context: Determination finds a solution
Meaning: Where there are plenty of trees, there are no builders
Context: An abundance of resources can sometimes lead to inaction
Meaning: Where you have an enemy, you will not lack a friend
Context: For every adversary, there is a supporter
Meaning: Where there are experts, there is no lack of learners
Context: Skill attracts those who wish to learn
Meaning: Where there are many chickens, millet is not scattered
Context: Do not share a secret where there are many people
Meaning: A good place you don't visit is a good place; if you visit too often, it's no longer good
Context: Familiarity breeds contempt; outstay your welcome and you will wear out your welcome
Meaning: Scabies are given to the one who has no fingernails
Context: Misfortune befalls those least equipped to deal with it
Meaning: You do not know the faults of a house you have not slept in
Context: You cannot truly understand someone's difficulties unless you are in their situation
Meaning: Your own bad place is better than your friend's good place
Context: There's no place like home
Meaning: A mud hut cannot withstand heavy blows
Context: A weak foundation or system cannot endure serious challenges
Meaning: Your own small place is not like your friend's large place
Context: A poor thing but mine own