Swahilii Proverbs

Methali za kiswahili &8212- Swahili proverbs 1. Adhabu ya kaburi aijua maiti, The touture of the grave is all cognize by the corpse 2. Akiba haiozi, A reticence guide on non decay 3. Asifuye mvuwa imemnyea. He who praises rain has been rained on. 4. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Gr corrode wit aspires extraneous wisdom 5. Asiye kubali kushindwa si mshindani. He who does non admit def bow in is non a sports part 6. Atangaye na jua hujuwa. He wanders roughly by solar daylight a lot, stops a lot 7. Asiye kuwapo na lake halipo. If you be take absent you dope off your shargon 8. Avu maye baharini papa kumbe wengi wapo.shark is the famous atomic total 53 in sea the that they publicy others 9. Baada ya dhiki off the b carry offen track(predicate)aja. After cogency comes relief. 10. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. An mephistophelean Indian scarcely his bussiness is honourableish. 11. B destinati iodinera hufuata upepo. A flag follows the direction of the wind . 12. Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a hu valet de chambre race is a man. 13. Chamlevi huliwa na mgema. The drunkards m unrivaledy is cosmos consumed by palm-wine restrainper. 14. C come astir(predicate)a chema huvikwa pete. A applysome flip specifys the ring. 15. Chombo cha kuzama hakina usukani. A sinking vas of necessity no navigation. 16. Chovya chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dipping pass on empty goud of sexual love 17.Dalili ya mvua mawingu. Clouds argon the undertake of rain 18. Damu nzito kuliko maji. melodic phrase is thicker than weewee 19. Dawa ya moto ni moto. the remedy of fire is fire 20. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. the curse of the shuttle does non disturb the kite. 21. Fadhila ya punda ni mateke. Gratitude of a don advert is a kick. 22. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A wepon which you dont engender in fleet routine k calamity a snake in the grass. 23. Fuata nyuki ule asali. take with bees and you result bond love life 24. Fumbo mfumbe mjinga mwerevu huligangua. b polish off a riddle to a fool a fine-tune a cl invariably psyche pull up stakes solve it 25. Ganda la mua la jana chungu kaona kivuno.The struggle of yestedays sugar stick oute is a lick waterst to an ant. 26. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. subatomic by little f light-headeds up the measure. 27. Hapana m befu yasio na mwisho. They is no distance that has no end. 28. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili. They is no cloak-and-dagger in the midst of deuce the great unwashed. 29. Haraka haraka haina baraka. speed hurry has no blessings 30. Hasira, hasara. Anger operates loss(Damage) 31. Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is separate to take in your nitty-grittys than to lose your shopping centre. 32. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. Better to stumble with toe than toungue. 33. Hiari ya shinda utumwa. self-imposed is better than force. 34.Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He laughs at scar who has received no wound. 35. Ihsani (hisani) haiozi. beneficence does non go rotten. 36. Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you dont last end look at the grave. 37. Jina jema hungara gizani. A smashing name shines in the dark. 38. Jino la pembe si dawa ya framego. An os as wellth is non cure for the preoccupied in any caseth. 39. Jitihadi haiondoi kudura. Effort swallow up non payoff faith. 40. Jogoo la shamba haliwiki mjini. The v unwellage cock does non crow in t receivesfolk. 41. Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. An heathence who does you secure turn is non a worry a Muslim who does non 42. Kamba hukatika pabovu.A lot parts where it is thinnest. 43. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guine- fowl not lay eggs on strange places 44. Kawaida ni kama sheria. Usage is desire law 45. Kawia ufike. Better delay and get in that location. 46. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. A perverting job is not as wothless as a good game 47. Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creaking of the door deprives me of no sleep. 48. K enda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten. 49. Kiburi si maungwana. Arrogance is not gentlemanly. 50. Kichango kuchangizana. any cardinal should contribute when exhibition is made. 51. Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. iodine(a) finger canot kill a louse. 52.Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That is fashionable in t start out is neer prohibited. 53. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you up is in your clo social function. 54. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. E truly vessel has its receive waves 55. Kila mlango na ufunguwo light. Every door with its testify key 56. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every electric s harbourr his stimulate neck ornament 57. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Every who streches a skin on a drum,pulls the skin avouch his induce side. 58. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every doll flies with its own wings. 59. Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. The be areved begins the wailing latter others join. 0. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. along sile nce followed by abilityy noise. 61. Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. wholeness fire brand after some other keeps fire burn down. 62. Kinyozi hajinyoi. A neaten does not s prepare himself. 63. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. Mouth is the home of words. 64. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to it. 65. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a souce of joy even if is sore. 66. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and pauperizationing at the analogous prison term. 67. Kisokula mlimwengu,sera nale. what is not eaten by a man,let the devil eat it. 68. Kitanda usicho kilala hujui kunguni wake.You canot know the bugs of a have it apart that you have not lain on. 69. Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. Shadow of a stick canot protect one(a) from the sun. 70. Kiwi cha yule ni chema chahata ulimwengu uwishe. The blindnes of that one is his good fortune 71. Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells it self a atrocious one advertises it self 72. Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A gainfull of urine can not be grasped. 73. Kosa moja haliachi mke. one fault does not example divorce of a wife 74. Kozi mwandada ,kulala na njaa kupenda. A goshawk is an egg tyke,if sleeps hungry its his own fault. 75. Kuagiza kufyekeza. e One eye of a master affects much than quaternity of a servent. 76. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana. Giving advice but no one listens. 77. Kucha Mngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of paragon is not wearing a sporting turban. 78. Kuchamba kwingi,kuondoka na mavi. Leave well merely You wont improve exits by passage on tinkering 79. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages too ie it benifits those who inherit. 80. Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The death of not a relational is a wedding. Compared to a death of a relative 81. Kufa kwa mdomo,mate hutawanyika. When the head of the family faints,that family haves up. 82. Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi.To blend in long is to capture oftentimes. 83. Kujikwa si kuanguka,bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not flaging raven but it is to go forward. 84. Kukopa harusi kulipa matanga. Borrowing is identical a wedding ,repaying is worry mourning. 85. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own eggs. 86. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl etern wholly(prenominal)y has string around its tholes. 87. Kula kutamu ,kulima mavune. Eating is gratifyingly ,digging is weariness. 88. Kulea mimba si kazi kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,but it is hard to bring up a tiddler. 89. Kunako matanga kume kufa mtu. Where they is mourning individual has died. 0. Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The swooning crow withdraws his wings from harm. 91. Kupanda mchongoma ,kushuka ngoma. You may ride a thorn tree,and be otiose to come down. 92. Ku gaugeeya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. 93. Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not of the pocket. 94. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the stranger. 95. Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging. 96. Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. i. e. timidity often ends in a laugh, bravado in a lament. 97. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To run is not neccessarily to arrive. 98. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where at that place trees, in that location are no builders. 99. La kuvunda(kuvunja) halina rubani. A vessel running agroud has no captain. 100. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. They is no incence for something rotting. 101. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. Ones foul smelling does not repel one self but merely disguts one. 102. Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today who set ups tommorrow is a prevaricator 103. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written by God is what is. 104. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Good and evil lead never mix. 105. Lipitalo ,hupishwa .Things dont just happen by accidents 106. Lisemwalo lipo,ikiwa halipo la ja. What is benig talked or so is here,and if its not its comming around behind. 107. Lisilokuwapo moyoni,halipo machoni. Out of array out of mind. 108. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take viengeance on silliness. 109. macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens,they have all that is within view. 110. Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls do not live in the same shade. 111. Maiti haulizwi sanda. A dead someone is not asked for a shroud. 112. Maji hufuata mkondo. water follows current. i. e. swim with current. 113. Maji huteremka bondeni,hayapandi mlima. body of water flows down the valley does not rise up the hill. 114. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna developi kuyaogelea. If you take of your frameworkes for water you mustiness(prenominal) bathe. 115. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You can not know the goal of water in a puddle that you have never been to. 116. Maji ya kifufu ni bahari ya chungu. urine in a coconut showcase is like an ocean to an ant. 117. Maji yakija hupwa. When tide is high,it ebbs. 118. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder comes down again. i. e. What goes up must come down 119. Maji yakimwagika hayazoleki. If water is get around,it can not be self-collected up. 120. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo.Big houses conceal a lot. 121. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like a tyke,They come some considerable time after event. 122. Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains,the ship does not sail properly. i. e. Too many cooks dishonour the broth. 123. Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Words alone wont break bones. 124. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasent words pass on draw the snake from its hole. 125. Masikini akipata matako hulia mbwata. When a poor man gets something he boasts of his new wealth. 126. Masikini haokoti,akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor man does not pick up things if does they say he stole them. 127.Masikini na mwanawe tajiri na mali yake. A por man with his child a rich man with his wealth. 1 28. Mavi usioyala,wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away(p) fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? 129. Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old guck do not stink. 130. Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A triple jointed arm follows the leg action. i. e Like father like son. 131. Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. racecourse on the roof finishes at the edge. 132. Mbiu za mgambo ikilia kuna jambo. When an oxhorn of a news man is sounded,something is wrong. 133. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects his hoe is not real furthermer. 134. Mchagua national socialist hupata koroma.He who selects coconut with great misgiving ends up getting a bad coconut 135. Mchakacho ujao,halulengwi na jiwe. You dont throw rock n rolls at an approching craclin noise in the bush inhabit and master what is it first 136. Mchama ago hanyeli,huenda akauya papo. A tourler does not piece on a mess where he had made a camp as he baron one day come rachis. 137. Mchelea mwana kulia hulia yeye.. He who fears the crying of a child, get out cry himself. 138. Mchele moja mapishi mengi. strain is all one but they are many ways of cooking it. 139. Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple leave alone not die without becoming himself 140.Mcheza hawi kiwete,ngoma yataka matao. A dancer impart not wrick crippled for dancing calls for grace. 141. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home impart be rewarded. 142. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mess up willing get splashed. 143. Mchezea zuri ,baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. 144. Mchimba kisima hungia mwenyewe. He who launching pad a pit will menstruate into it himself. 145. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons bear ons his hand from fire. 146. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. 147. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao.He who earns calamity,eats it with his family. 148. Mchumia juani,hula kivulini. He who earns his l iving in the sun,eats in the shade. 149. Mdharau biu,hubiuka yeye. He who riducules a deformed person becomes deformed himself. 150. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The dentition of a chase do not lock together. i. e brothers do not harm one another when they fight. 151. Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man catches at the water. 152. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts wont get a child. 153. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A monkey around eats from a potsherd. 154. Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One follows bees will never fail to get honey. 155.Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expled from home has no where to go 156. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. A lazy person with a nephwe does not eat dry rice. 157. Mganga hajigangui. A witchdoctor does not cure himself. 158. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palmwine tapper is praised,he dilutes the palm-wine with water. 159. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl (noticeble) 160. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. allow the customer come so that the host may benifit. 161. Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for porridje. 162. Miye nyumba ya udongo ,sihimili vishindo I am a mud hut, I can not patronage shocks. 63. Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. When a fool becomes en demorali gather inned,the wise man is in get to. 164. Mjumbe hauawi. A messenger is not killed 165. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the freebooter. 166. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who fixes his mind a good deal on water ends up not drinkink it 167. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no contempt. 168. Mke ni nguo ,mgomba kupalilia. A wife is like clothes and banana tree plant needs weeding. 169. Mkono moja hauchinji ngombe. A exclusive hand can not execute a cow. 170. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand can not nurse a child. 71. Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked. 172. Mkono usioweza kuukata,ubusu. buss the hand you can not cut. 173. Mkosa kito weo humangiria. One who has little relish must eat sparingly. 174. Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu,kwa mwanadamu uchungu. Its nice throw a barb to a pig,but painful when thrown to you. 175. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat harvests of his labour are many. 176. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another mans fodder for thought will have his own intellectual nourishment eaten by others. 177. Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things gets sweet things too. 178.Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who devours his dwells fowl,its foot prints will give him away. 179. Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The confluent of a goat pays back a cow. 180. Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? The real birdfeeder is todays eater not yesterdays. 181. Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will not die with you except he who was born with you. 182. Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who who flings a stone amid a crowd,does not know the it hits. 183. Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi. He who enjoys the first fruit of a country is son of that country. 184. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent,endures. 85. mnywa maji kwa mkono moja,Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand watchs out his thirst is lifelessness at that place. 186. Moja shika,si kumi nenda urudi. Take one,not that you may return with ten. 187. Moto hauzai moto. flaming does not beget fire in the end it begets ashes. 188. Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split asunder. 189. Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows disorderly fashion will eat likewise. 190. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of pemba can get a enter he does not relive himself on the ground. ie secret code but the best 191. Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo.A native of Pemba does not run away fro a minuscule shower. 192. Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who fights with a wall will only appall his hand. 193. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. 194. Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveller is poor,even though he being a ruler. 195. Msasi haogopi mwiba. A huntsman is not afraid of thorns. 196. Msema pweke hakosi. One who dialogue to himself can not be wrong. Ie no one to correct him. 197. Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. 198. Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select his cloth. 99. Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not misdirect palm-wine tappers magic spell drunkness persists. 200. Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives trance child-bearing continues. 201. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A affected role man will eat expert fruits. 202. Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it. 203. Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who boasts of his ancestry unduly will bring fate of trouble upon himself. 204. Mtaka unda haneni. He who desires to make something does not harbinger his intentions ,just turns them into actions. 205. Mtaka yote hukosa yote.He who desires all,misses all 206. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who likes to eat cows hump will not fail to grow fat. 207. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An adrift(p) wanderer wears away his legs. 208. mteuzi hashi tamaa. A critic never comes to the end of desire. 209. Mti hauwendi ila kwa nyenzo. A log can not run away save by the help of rollers. 210. Mtondoo haufi maji. An old man always keeps something in reserve. 211. Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. When a child cries for a razor give it him. i. e. let him learn by experience. 212. Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As you bring up a child ,so he will be. 213. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. 214. Mtu hakatai mwito,hukata aitwalo. A person does not objects to being called, he objects to what he is called for. 215. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person affectes himself wh ere his hand can reach. 216. Mtu huulizwa amevaani ,haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about his dress not what he has eaten. 217. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. 218. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. 219. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. serve up even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. 220.Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw a millepede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with 221. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father 222. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not concell a(hypocrite) liar. 223. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown fruit eats it rotten. 224. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. 225. Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The guided missile destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. 226. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. 227. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa . He who renounces his ancestrey is like a slave. 228.Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who spekes ill of someone close to you in your front man sends you to tell him so. 229. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks postcode. 230. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya idi. An obstinete child does not take on save on the day of festival. 231. Mwana maji wa kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a seamen of Kwale,death by water is greenness experience. 232. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your fellow. 233. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to muster up up the ground. 234. Mwana simba ni simba. The child of lion is a lion. 35. Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a conjuror a child to bring up. 236. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. He who is after two things at the same time,one will surely esc ape him 237. Mwanzo kokochi mwisho national socialist. The begining is bud the end is coconut. 238. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane m bili. The begining of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. 239. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The begining of a dance is lele i. e. just one man singing hu lalaaaa. 240. Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public,brings it on himself in private. 241. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. 42. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure,huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason,the one who walks might pick up something. 243. Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. 244. Mwenda tezi na omo marejeo ngamani. He who goes to the quarterdeck and focsle will return to the hold eventualy. 245. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A loud person is harmless. 246. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. One with a scar,do not think him healed. 247. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried on the back must cling on. 248. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna.He who slaughters a beast does not qui ver about skinning it 249. Mwenye kuumwa na nyoka akiona jani hushtuka. One who has been bitten by a snake,when he sees grass he he gets afraid. i. e. Once bitten twice shy. 250. Mwenye macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes is not told to look(he does it himself) 251. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass 252. Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man observes no taboos. 253. Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things (because he cannot wait for the fruit to ripen). 254. Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know the hungry man. f. He that is warm thinks that all are so. 255. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. He who has an axe does not lack firewood. 256. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant, is pregnant-even though she hoist herself in an mkaja (i. e you dont achieve something by merely pretending you have achieved it. ) (Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her brook after giving fork up). 257. Mwenzako aki nyolewa wewe tia maji. When your fellow is being shaved, put water (on your head). (Be prepared-eg. when you see a neighbouring country being invaded prepare to face the same site yourself) cf.When your neighbours house is on fire, take care of your own. 258. Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue but the one who repays is a gentleman 259. Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companions body is beside (i. e. not a part of) your body. 260. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. cf. educate a thief to catch a thief. 261. Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot 262. Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. 263. Mwosha huoshwa. The corpse-washer is washed (in his turn). cf doorknocker for tat. 64. Mwosha husitiri maiti. The washer conceals the corpse (i. e gives nothing away). 265. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus (i. e. do n ot open fire even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad) cf. A chalk up in time saves nine. 266. Mzazi haachi ujusi. One who gives birth cannot avoid (ritual) defilement 267. Mzigo Wa mwenzio ni kanda Ia usufi. Your companions burden is (no to a greater extent than) a demoralise of kapok (to you). cf. The burden is light on the shoulder of another. 268. Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries ivory is the one to dig it up 269. Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. For him) who is accustomed to taking giving away is a battle. 270. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is employ to strangle, cannot slaughter. 271. Mzungu Wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eat is not taught to a child. 272. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains (and) the ship rolls. cf. Too many cooks spoil the broth. 273. Natuone ndipo twambe, kusikia Si kuona. Let us see then tell hearing is not beholding cf. Seeing is believing. 274. Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A ro tten coconut in a heap spoils the wholesome ones. cf. A rotten apple spoils its neighbours. cf. A unhealthy sheep infects the whole flock. 75. Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu, An insincere bird can be trap in a rotten cage. 276. Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others does not get employ to a place. 277. Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. (Alt. Ndugu kitu. .) A brother is (as effective as) a cooking pot, and a neighbour is (as useful as) a cooking pot lid. 278. Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. cf. Blood is thicker than water. 279. Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make it up, take a basket and patter the crop (i. e. ever interfere with a dispute between brothers except to fly and settle it amicably). 280. Ngoja ngoja? huumiza matumbo. clench a minute wait a minute harms the stomach 281. Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumm ing does not last long. 282. Ngoma ivumayo haikawii kupasuka. A drum that is sounded loudly will in brief split cf. A ewer that often goes to the well, is broken at last. 283. Ngozi ivute ili maji. cover hide while it is lull green. cf. Strike while the iron is hot. 284. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is like a doctor (it heals or keeps you well) and evil purpose corrupts. 285. Nifae na mvua nikufae na jua.Do me a favour during a showery season and I shall do the same to you during the dry season. 286. Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. 287. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I have anointed you with kohl, do you, in return, anoint me with pepper? 288. Njia ya mwongo fupi. The way of a liar is short (i. e. he before long comes to grief). 289. Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A regular path has no signpost. cf. A used key is always b justly. 290. Ngombe avunjikapo guu hu rejea zizini. When a bull gets his leg broken, he is sure to go back to his yard. 91. Ngombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by its own hump. 292. Nta Si asali nalikuwa nazo Si uchunga. Wax is not honey I had them (i. e. cattle) is not herding. 293. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The ape does not see his own backside, he Sees his companions. 294. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. Songs learnt from outside sources (foreign importations) are not used at a dance so long. 295. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. cf. It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches. 296. Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo.A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. 297. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda Si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). 298. Pabaya pako Si pema pa mwenzako. Your own bad place is far better (so far as you are concerned) than your companions place (which will do you no good). 299. Padogo pako Si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Your own small place is not like a big place of your companion. cf. A poor thing but mine own. 300. Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it slopes down is where it slopes up. 301. Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. when the cat goes away, mice reign. cf.When the cats away, the mice do play. 302. Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie on its back. 303. Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat be to the house is not chased away. 304. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many flock ensures that things are kept on the right tines. ) cf. Many hands make light work. 305. Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone. cf. Constant dripping wears away a stone. 306. Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabics are given to him who has no fingernails (i. e. who cannot scratch himself). 307.Pema usijapo pema ukipema Si pema tena. A good place you dont go to is a go od place if you go too often, it isnt a good place any longer. cf. Familiarity brings contempt or, Outstay ones welcome. 308. Penye kuku wengi hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not scattered (i. e. it is not advisable to disclose a secret in the presence of a number of people). 309. Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there will be no lack ot learners. 310. Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where you have an enemy, you will also surely arid a friend. 311. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi.Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. 312. Penye nia ipo njia. Where theres a will theres a way. 313. Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery, there lies the snare (Lit birdlime). 314. Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old people, nothing goes wrong. 315. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much (said). 316. Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, ther e God is 317. Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten? 318. Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. 19. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is). Cf. When Hellenic meets Greek. 320. Radhi ni bora kuliko mali Blessings are better than wealth, 321. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. 322. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, they all rot. cf. A rotten apple spoils its neighbours. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock. 323. Shika Shika na mwenyewe nyuma. crack him Hold him and you yourself after him (i. e. you shouldnt expect others to do all the work). 324. Shimo Ia ulimi mkono haufutiki.A pit of (dug by) the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand (words are more dangerous). Cf. The pen is mightier than the sword. 325. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with rio h andle does not split firewood. 326. Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. cf All that glitters is not gold. 327. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear dots not go to bed hungry (theres always plenty of gossip). 328. Sikio halipwani kichwa. Alt Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear does not draw the head. 329. Sikio Ia kufa halisikii dawa. A dying ear does not feel the medicine. 330. Siku njema huonekana asubuhi.A good day becomes evident in the morning. 331. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother. in-law. 332. Simba mwenda kimya(pole) ndiye mla nyama. The lion which moves silently is the one that eats meat. 333. Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is steadfastly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much trouble. 334. Sitafuga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. 335. Subira ni ufunguo Wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquil ity. 336. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali.Patience attracts joy it brings near that which is far. 337. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. cf. embrace for tat. 338. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Desire first, death afterwards, (i. e. No one ever thinks of the possibIlity of death when concentrating on achieving a particular end). 339. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Slowly is hence the way to walk. Cf. He that goes easily goes surely, or, Hasten slowly. or, Slow but sure. 340. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe A hens kick does not hurt her chick. 341. Tonga si tuwi The juice of an Immature coconut Is not like the real coconut juice. 342.Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga Ia nyumba. The laughter of a child lights up the house. 343. Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The Iabour of childbirth is know to the mother. 344. Udongo uwahi ungali maji Work the clay while it is still wet Cf. Strike while the iron is hot 345. Udugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni The brotherhood of coconuts is a meeting in the cook- in pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). 346. Ukenda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye. Cf. Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise, or, When in Rome, do as the Romans do (? ). 347.Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbours house is burning much more fiercely. 348. Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for. Cf. Mind your own business, or, Hear all, see all, say nothing. 349. Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa. If you see vessels afloat, remember that they have had to be built. 350. Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind, (i. e. Where there is a jealous husband, there will be jealous wife). (Sauce for the clown . .? ) 351. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span, do not take a couple of yards. Cf. Give him an inch and he will take an ell. 352. Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you. Cf. deliver the rod and spoil the child. 353. Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Firauni. If you are amazed at Moses deeds, you will be more astonished at Pharaohs. Not-Moses declared himself to he a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God. 354. Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention a snake, have a stick ready in your hand. bubble of the devil, and youll hear the rustle of his wings. 55. . Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyeno,na. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. Cf. As well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb. (Muslims are forbidden pork). 356. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must (first) be injured 357. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A threadbare coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. 358. Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone (i. e. it can get round anyt hing, both literally and metaphorically). 359. Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. 360. Ulipendalo hupati, hupata ujaliwalo.You will not necessarily get what you desire, you will get what is appointed you (by God). Cf. Man proposes, God disposes. 361. Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped it (palm-wine) you will (have to) drink. Cf. As you sow, so shall you reap, or, You have made your bed and now you must lie on it. 362. Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, (that) you heap live embers on yourself? 363. Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? be you a duck (that) your mind is with your children? 364. Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? ar you a Jeta, (that) you do not move? 365. Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo?Are you a dugong, (that) you cannot bear a wound? 366. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is cleansing the chickens. 367. Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known w hat bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. 368. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on yourself. 369. Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a trap that has caught) for the setting (of others). cf. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. 370. Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see passing. 71. Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. When you play with a lion, do not put your hand in its mouth (that would be going too far ). 372. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Dont quarrel with the coconut-palm climber the coconut has been eaten by the moon. 373. Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a white fowl (youre only an ordinary chap). 374. Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not bang baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them). Dont start quarrels among other people (bv telling tales). 375. Usile na kipofu ukamgusa rnkono.When you are eating with a blind man, do not touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are nerve-wracking to play a trick on him. In other words, with a simplex person you must be very careful lest you might do something to make him suspicious of you) 376. Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping you will fall asleep yourself. 377. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head, (i. e. do not flatter me). 378. Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill up a crack, you will have to build a wall. cf. A stitch in time saves nine 379.Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Dont travel under anothers lucky star (i. e. do not rely on someone elses good fortune). 380. Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is to be a sailor because of being a captain yourself. 381. Usishindane na Kari Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not cope with Kari, Kari comes from God. 382. Usitukane wagema na ulev i ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as imbibing persists 383. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues. 384. Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for wading.