Source of Proverbs and Stories by Country of Origin

Algeria

  1. Ta n-ameri salah, ta n-amiksan sadsa. (Tuareg)
    The (word) of a friend makes you cry; the (word) of an enemy makes you laugh. (English)
    La (parole) d'un ami fait pleurer, la (parole) d'un ennemi fait rire. (French)
    explanation...

  2. Azru n-tmazirt yuf mraw n-wasif. (Southern Tashelhayt Berber)
    A stone from home is worth ten from the riverbed. (English)
    Une pierre de chez soi vaut dix de l'oued (French)
    explanation...

Angola
  1. Nkome kakinda: Teka vútula mbusa.(Kongo)
    (Para se dar) um murro forte: É preciso voltar a mão atrás para ganhar balance. (Portuguese)
    To punch with a strong fist, you need to turn over your hand. (English)
    explanation...

Benin

  1. Nunya, adidoe, asi metunee o. (Akan and Ewe)

    2. La science est le tronc d'un baobab qu'une seule personne ne peut embrasser. (French)
    Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Lilî be de gbÇ, de gbÇe wotua xÇ. (Ewe)

    3. La guêpe dit que plusieurs voyages réguliers à un puits de boue lui permet de construire sa maison. (French)
    The wasp says that several regular trips to a mud pit enables it to build a house. (English)
    explanation...
     
  3. Munyal deefan hayre. (Fulfulde)
    Avec beaucoup de patience on peut cuire même une pierre. (French)
    Patience can cook a stone. (English)
    explanation...

  4. Gnatola ma no kpon sia, eyenabe adelan to kpo mi sena. (Ewe-mina)
    A moins ce que le lion ait son propre narrateur, le chasseur aura toujours la belle part de l'histoire. (French)
    Until the lion has his or her own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story. (English)
    explanation...

Botswana
  1. Poo, ga di nne pedi mo sakeng. (Tswana)

    2. Two bulls can't stay in the same kraal. (English)
    explanation...
Burkina Faso
  1. Runda benda saon beoogo kurga. (Moore)
    Le caleçon d'aujourd'hui vaut mieux que le slip de demain. (French)
    The pants of today are better than the breeches of tomorrow. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Munyal deefan hayre. (Fulfulde)
    Avec beaucoup de patience on peut cuire même une pierre. (French)
    Patience can cook a stone. (English)
    explanation...

  3. Ta n-ameri salah, ta n-amiksan sadsa. (Tuareg)
    The (word) of a friend makes you cry; the (word) of an enemy makes you laugh. (English)
    La (parole) d'un ami fait pleurer, la (parole) d'un ennemi fait rire. (French)
    explanation...

Burundi
  1. Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone. (Swahili)

    2. Let the guest come so that the host or hostess may benefit (get well). (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Umwáansi aguciira icoobo, Imáana ikaguciira icaanzo. (Kirundi)

    3. Quand l'ennemi creuse une tombe pour toi, Dieu te prépare une issue de secours. (French)
    When an enemy digs a grave for you, God gives you an emergency exit. (English)
    explanation...
     
  3. Heri pazia kuliko bendera. (Swahili)

    4. Better a curtain hanging motionless than a flag blowing in the wind. (English)
    explanation...

  4. Wapiganapo tembo nyasi huumia. (Swahili)
    When elephants fight the grass (reeds) gets hurt. (English)
    explanation...

  5. Ijambo ry-umukuru ritorwamo igufwa. (Rwanda and Rundi)
    De la parole d'un vieux on tire un os. (French)
    Ndani ya neno la mzee hupatikana mfupa. (Swahili)
    From the word of an elder is derived a bone. (English)
    explanation...

  6. Ahari amahoro umuhoro uramwa. (Rundi)
    Là où il y a la paix une serpette peut raser/couper les cheveux. (French)
    Kuliko na amani mundu hunyoa ndevu/hukata nywele. (Swahili)
    Where there is peace, a billhook (sickle) can be used to shave your beard or cut your hair. (English)
    explanation...
Central African Republic
  1. Munyal deefan hayre. (Fulfulde)
    Avec beaucoup de patience on peut cuire même une pierre. (French)
    Patience can cook a stone. (English)
    explanation...
Chad
  1. Munyal deefan hayre. (Fulfulde)
    Avec beaucoup de patience on peut cuire même une pierre. (French)
    Patience can cook a stone. (English)
    explanation...
Cameroon
  1. Kud mbelawa a hada a hwad. (Mafa)
    Les larmes de l'orphelin coulent dans le ventre. (French)
    The tears of the orphan run inside. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Munyal deefan hayre. (Fulfulde)
    Avec beaucoup de patience on peut cuire même une pierre. (French)
    Patience can cook a stone. (English)
    explanation...
Djibouti
  1. Joki nô ga volo, ni baka ei gpi murtu. (Balanda/Belanda Viri)
    (Also in Sudanese Colloquial Spoken Arabic and Modern Standard Written Arabic)
    God is a great eye. He sees everything in the world. (English)
    explanation...
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
  1. Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone. (Swahili)

    2. Let the guest come so that the host or hostess may benefit (get well). (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Heri pazia kuliko bendera. (Swahili)

    3. Better a curtain hanging motionless than a flag blowing in the wind. (English)
    explanation...

  3. Kachenche kubantu kwabo dikonbo. (Songe)
    "Kachenche" (très petit oiseau) est négligeable à l'étranger, mais trés important chez lui. (French)
    "Kachenche" (very small bird) is insignificant among strangers, but very important at home. (English)
    "Kachenche" (ndege mdogo sana) mdogo ugenini, mkubwa kwao. (Swahili)
    explanation...

  4. Wapiganapo tembo nyasi huumia. (Swahili)
    When elephants fight the grass (reeds) gets hurt. (English)
    explanation...

  5. O wera walya elyi atama. (Tembo)
    Ne mange que celui qui a gouté à la fatigue du travail. (French)
    Anayekula ameonja ugumu wa kazi. (Swahili)
    The one who eats has tasted the hardship of labor. (English)
    explanation...

  6. Nkome kakinda: Teka vútula mbusa.(Kongo)
    (Para se dar) um murro forte: É preciso voltar a mão atrás para ganhar balance. (Portuguese)
    To punch with a strong fist, you need to turn over your hand. (English)
    explanation...

  7. Drinza si okuku dra oboa. (Lugbara)
    Due to shyness the tortoise died in a boat. (Literal English Translation)
    Kutokana na woga, kobe alikufa mashuani. (Literal Swahili Translation)
    explanation...

  8. Keshi walyire kataera. (Tembo)
    Une dette n'est pas une perte lorsque le débiteur est connu. (French)
    A debt is not a loss once one knows the debtor. (English)
    explanation...

Egypt
  1. Joki nô ga volo, ni baka ei gpi murtu. (Balanda/Belanda Viri)
    (Also in Sudanese Colloquial Spoken Arabic and Modern Standard Written Arabic)
    God is a great eye. He sees everything in the world. (English)
    explanation...

  2. Maa daa'it illa maa forigat. (Colloquial Arabic)
    Inna maa al osr yosran. (Koran Arabic)
    Baada ya dhiki, faraja. (Swahili)
    No matter how hard it may get, a way out or eventual comfort will be provided. (Literal English)
    After hardship comes relief. (Figurative English)
    explanation...
Eritrea
  1. Joki nô ga volo, ni baka ei gpi murtu. (Balanda/Belanda Viri)
    (Also in Sudanese Colloquial Spoken Arabic and Modern Standard Written Arabic)
    God is a great eye. He sees everything in the world. (English)
    explanation...
Ethiopia
  1. Turina keessatt killen millaan adeemti. (Oromo)

    2. By persevering the egg walks on legs. (English)
    explanation...

  2. Døø wøk adhienga teek. (Anyuak)
    The beer is difficult to strain. (English)
    explanation...
Gambia
  1. Wax soxu fetal la; su reccee, dabu ko wees. . (Wolof)
    La parole, c’est une charge de fusil, si elle s’echappe on ne peut pas la rattraper.. (French)
    Words are like bullets; if they escape, you can’t catch them again. . (English)
    explanation...
Ghana
  1. Nunya, adidoe, asi metunee o. (Akan and Ewe)

    2. La science est le tronc d'un baobab qu'une seule personne ne peut embrasser. (French)
    Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Kotoku tew a, na mmati adwo. (Twi)

    3. When the bag tears, the shoulders get a rest. (English)
    explanation...
     
  3. If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family (nation). (English)

    4. explanation...
     
  4. Lilî be de gbÇ, de gbÇe wotua xÇ. (Ewe)

    5. La guêpe dit que plusieurs voyages réguliers à un puits de boue lui permet de construire sa maison. (French)
    The wasp says that several regular trips to a mud pit enables it to build a house. (English)
    explanation...
     
  5. Pein dan kan jo ya, di voorika an tua. (Buli)

    6. If an arrow has not entered deeply, then its removal is not hard. (English)
    explanation...
     
  6. Anyeminu ni le kusum le, ledzi moni ke onukpai yeo nii.(Ga)
    The brother or sister who does not respect the traditions of the elders will not be allowed to eat with the elders. (English)
    explanation...

  7. Naawuni yi kabigi a gbali, o ni wuhi a ni yen kpahi shem.(Dagbani)
    If God breaks your leg, He will teach you how to limp. (English)
    explanation...

  8. Aberewa hwe abofra ma ofifir se nna abofra so hwe aberewa ma nese tutu. (Akan)
    The old woman looks after the child to grow its teeth and the young one in turn looks after the old woman when she loses her teeth. (English)
    explanation...

  9. Gnatola ma no kpon sia, eyenabe adelan to kpo mi sena. (Ewe-mina)
    A moins ce que le lion ait son propre narrateur, le chasseur aura toujours la belle part de l'histoire. (French)
    Until the lion has his or her own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story. (English)
    explanation...

  10. Faa yalo dzwaa gbe. (Ga)
    The one who fetches the water is the one who is likely to break the pot. (English)
    explanation...

Ivory Coast
  1. Aberewa hwe abofra ma ofifir se nna abofra so hwe aberewa ma nese tutu. (Akan)
    The old woman looks after the child to grow its teeth and the young one in turn looks after the old woman when she loses her teeth. (English)
    explanation...

  2. Nunya, adidoe, asi metunee o. (Akan and Ewe)

    3. La science est le tronc d'un baobab qu'une seule personne ne peut embrasser. (French)
    Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it. (English)
    explanation...
Kenya
  1. "Atannayita: y'atenda nnyina obufumbi (=okufumba)" (Ganda)
    The person who has not traveled widely thinks his or her mother is the only cook (the best cook). (Ganda also found in Akamba, Bemba, Gikuyu, Haya, Igbo and Yoruba)

    2. explanation...
     
  2. Iireragira ruku-ini ni ikaya kuigana. (Gikuyu)

    3. It [a bug] grows up in dry wood, and yet comes to maturity. (English)
    explanation...
     
  3. Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone. (Swahili)

    4. Let the guest come so that the host or hostess may benefit (get well). (English)
    explanation...
     
  4. Omoonto umwi nkirunguuri, ababere nitoonge rebukima. (Kuria)

    5. One person is thin porridge or gruel; two or three people are a lump (handful) of ugali (stiff cooked meal/flour from sorghum or millet). (English)
    explanation...
     
  5. Heri pazia kuliko bendera. (Swahili)

    6. Better a curtain hanging motionless than a flag blowing in the wind. (English)
    explanation...
     
  6. Kotoku tew a, na mmati adwo.
    When the bag tears, the shoulders get a rest. (English)
    explanation...
     
  7. Getutu kere maiso. (Gusii)

    8. The bush in which you hide has eyes. (English)
    explanation...
     
  8. Takipar bich che meloljinge ma. (Tugen)

    9. How easy it is to defeat people who do not kindle fire for themselves. (English)
    explanation...
     
  9. Fulu bende oro ngege. - Luo

    10. Hata furu (uduvi) humtuma sato. - Swahili
    Even haplochromis (name of a small fish) employs tilapia (name of a large fish). - English
    explanation...
     
  10. Mbiti yi mwana ndiisaa ikamina. (Akamba)

    11. Fisi mwenye mtoto hali na kumaliza chakula. (Swahili)
    The hyena with a cub does not eat up (consume) all the available food. (English)
    explanation...

  11. Mbaara ti ûcûrû. (Gikuyu)
    Vita si uji. (Swahili)
    War is not porridge. (English)
    explanation...

  12. Wapiganapo tembo nyasi huumia. (Swahili)
    When elephants fight the grass (reeds) gets hurt. (English)
    explanation...
     
  13. Omukekhe na akhetuya saria khukeenda taa. (Bukusu)
    Mtoto haogopi kwenda mahali popote kabla hajaumia. (Swahili)
    A child (young person) does not fear treading on dangerous ground until he or she gets hurt (stumbles). (English)
    explanation...

  14. Nguru iri matugu. (Tharaka, also in Gikuyu)
    Mjinga huwa na siku nyingi. (Swahili)
    A fool has many days. (English)
    explanation...

  15. Ng'ora, ng'ora, kirunguri gekuya gokerandi. (Kuria)
    Pole, pole uji uende kibuyu. (Swahili)
    Slowly, slowly, porridge goes into the gourd. (English)
    explanation...

  16. Siemunda sisuta siekhumurwe. (Bukusu)
    Chenye kiko kwa tumbo hubeba ya kichwa. (Swahili)
    What is in the stomach carries what is in the head. (English)
    explanation...

  17. Makiume sasurwet ak kebet. (Nandi)
    Huwezi kutumia majani ya mgomba wa kichakani kujizuzia mvua na baada ya mvua kuiisha uikatakate. (Swahili)
    You cannot use a wild banana leaf to shield yourself from the rains and then tear it to pieces later when the rains come to an end. (English)
    explanation...

  18. Wang' mithiedho ema gawi. (Luo)
    Jicho ulilotibu ndilo linarudi kukuangalia vibaya. (Swahili)
    An eye that you treat is the one that turns against you. (English)
    explanation...

  19. Akili ni ndonge. (Sheng)
    Akili ni mali. (Swahili)
    Use of brains begets wealth. (English)
    explanation...

  20. Hano wangere iyomokoro oregeenda bwire. (Kuria)
    Kama ukikataa la mkuu utatembea mpaka machweo. (Swahili)
    If you refuse the advice of an elder you will walk until sunset. (English)
    explanation...

  21. Maji ya moto hayachomi nyumba. (Kuria)
    Hot water does not burn down the house. (English)
    explanation...

  22. Modera i’se mono tanakomora mwando. (Gusii)
    Anayejiweka mstari wa mbele kumuhudumia babake hukosa urithi. (Swahili)
    The person who tends to ingratiate himself to his father without involving others never inherits the father’s property. (English)
    explanation...

  23. Muceera na mukundu akundukaga o take. (Gikuyu)
    Anayetembea na mwenye tabia mbaya huiga tabia hizo. (Kiswahili)
    One who relates with a corrupt person likewise gets corrupted. (English)
    explanation...

  24. Biye ojemo ni ng’wen. (Luo)
    Mchwa awachongea kumbikumbi. (Swahili)
    The fierce white ants cause the death of the kind and harmless ants. (Literal English translation)
    Termites cause death, damage, and great harm to white ants. (Meaning English translation)
    explanation...

  25. Ungichogotha nyoka, no nginya wiharirie kurumwo niyo.(Kikuyu)
    Ukichokoza nyoka, hauna budi hujitayarisha kuumwa nayo. (Swahili)
    If you rattle a snake, you should be prepared to be bitten by it. (English)
    explanation...

  26. Akakhura keetsa inyungu ebuleka.(Luyia)
    Pombe ya kienyeji inayochachushwa vibaya huharibika.(Swahili)
    Beer that will spoil ferments unequally.     (English)
    explanation...

Lesotho
  1. Lepotla-potla le ja poli; lesisitheho le ja khomo. (Sesotho)

    2. The "hurry-hurry" person eats goat; the one who takes his or her time (or hesitates) eats beef. (English)
    explanation...
Liberia
  1. Nyana-so ni nyu do doun, keh do za-nyohn de ke.(Bassa)
    Smoke does not affect honeybees alone; honey-gatherers are also affected. (English)
    explanation...
Libya
  1. El dzamel ma ishbeh aouz rugupta. (Arabic)
    The camel does not see the bend in its neck. (English)
    explanation...
Madagascar
  1. Fitia mifamaly maha-tsara fihavanana. (Malagasy)
    Donner est mieux que de recevoir. (French)
    Afadhali kutoa kuliko kupokea. (Swahili)
    It's better to give than to receive.(English)
    explanation...

Malawi
  1. Ukapanda mano usamaswe phale. (Chewa)

    2. If you have no teeth, do not break the clay cooking pot. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Nsungwi ya mtuwa sisiliridwa. (Chewa)

    3. A tender bamboo cannot be eagerly desired (for building). (English)
    explanation...

  3. Chigau ndi ku mupozwa. (Tonga)

    4. Young growing cuttings determine a good harvest of cassava. (English)
    explanation...

  4. Akolahee Ngorulahi kukosaa Ngarambangandu? (Mpoto)

    5. Je, haupo uwezekano Ngorulahi akatosheka na Ngarambangandu kukosa? (Swahili)
    Cannot Ngorulahi be satisfied and Ngarambangandu miss the chance? (English)
    explanation...
Mali
  1. Jirikurun men o men ji la, a te ke bama ye. (Bambara)
    La buche aurait beau sejourne dans l'eau, elle ne pourrait pour autant devenir un crocodile. (French)
    No matter how long a log stays in the water, it doesn't become a crocodile. (English)
     
  2. Munyal deefan hayre. (Fulfulde)
    Avec beaucoup de patience on peut cuire même une pierre. (French)
    Patience can cook a stone. (English)
    explanation...

  3. Ta n-ameri salah, ta n-amiksan sadsa. (Tuareg)
    The (word) of a friend makes you cry; the (word) of an enemy makes you laugh. (English)
    La (parole) d'un ami fait pleurer, la (parole) d'un ennemi fait rire. (French)
    explanation...

Mauritania
  1. Ta n-ameri salah, ta n-amiksan sadsa. (Tuareg)
    The (word) of a friend makes you cry; the (word) of an enemy makes you laugh. (English)
    La (parole) d'un ami fait pleurer, la (parole) d'un ennemi fait rire. (French)
    explanation...

Morocco

  1. Azru n-tmazirt yuf mraw n-wasif. (Southern Tashelhayt Berber)
    A stone from home is worth ten from the riverbed. (English)
    Une pierre de chez soi vaut dix de l'oued (French)
    explanation...

Mozambique
  1. Ukapanda mano usamaswe phale. (Nyanja)

    2. If you have no teeth, do not break the clay cooking pot. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone. (Swahili)

    3. Let the guest come so that the host or hostess may benefit (get well). (English)
    explanation...
     
  3. Heri pazia kuliko bendera. (Swahili)

    4. Better a curtain hanging motionless than a flag blowing in the wind.
    explanation...

  4. Nsungwi ya mtuwa sisiliridwa. (Nyanja)

    5. A tender bamboo cannot be eagerly desired (for building). (English)
    explanation...

  5. Nihumili kutali, lunikomi lugendu. (Ngoni)
    Nimetoka mbali, safari imenichosha. (Swahili)
    I have come a long way; the journey has exhausted me. (English)
    explanation...

  6. Wapiganapo tembo nyasi huumia. (Swahili)
    When elephants fight the grass (reeds) gets hurt. (English)
    explanation...

  7. Mambo? Poa! (Swahili)
    How are things? Cool! (English)

  8. Mila mata, pewiyomboka mtandu wa libihi. (Ngoni)
    Umeze mate unapovuka juu ya daraja la gogo moja. (Literal Swahili)
    Penye kikwazo piga moyo konde. (Figurative Swahili)
    Swallow saliva before you cross a one-log bridge. (Literal English)
    explanation...

  9. Kukhuta kwa njiri, nkhumba nkhabe sekera bi. (Sena)
    Se o javali ficar saciado, o porco nao fica satisfeito (Literal: A saciedade do javali, o porco nao se alegra). (Portuguese)
    A warthog eating its fill does not delight a pig.(English)
    explanation...

Namibia
  1. Waalombwelwa noyi niiso paantu. (Oshiwambo)
    If you do not listen to good advice, you will be embarrassed in public. (English)
    explanation...
Niger
  1. Kud mbelawa a hada a hwad. (Mafa)
    Les larmes de l'orphelin coulent dans le ventre. (French)
    The tears of the orphan run inside. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Munyal deefan hayre. (Fulfulde)
    Avec beaucoup de patience on peut cuire même une pierre. (French)
    Patience can cook a stone. (English)
    explanation...

  3. Ta n-ameri salah, ta n-amiksan sadsa. (Tuareg)
    The (word) of a friend makes you cry; the (word) of an enemy makes you laugh. (English)
    La (parole) d'un ami fait pleurer, la (parole) d'un ennemi fait rire. (French)
    explanation...

Nigeria
  1. "Atannayita: y'atenda nnyina obufumbi (=okufumba)" (Ganda)
    The person who has not traveled widely thinks his or her mother is the only cook (the best cook). (Ganda also found in Akamba, Bemba, Gikuyu, Haya, Igbo and Yoruba)

    2. explanation...
     
  2. Obodo n'ezu ezu azu nwa (Igbo. Also found in Yoruba)

    3. It takes a whole village to raise a child. (English)
    explanation...

  3. Ehemwen wÿÿ iren te gua so ihuan, ren te vbe gua ku, sokpan ukpÿ iye-ÿkhÿkhÿ ÿre ÿ ma gie iren ku iku iren vbe avan. (Edo)
    A cockroach knows how to sing and dance, but it is the hen who prevents it from performing its art during the day. (English)
    Une blatte sait chanter et danser, mais c'est la poule qui l'empeche de le faire pendant la journee. (French)
    explanation...

  4. Okro tik nor de grow pas en master. (Krio. Also found in Edo)
    An okra tree does not grow taller than its master. (English)
    explanation...

  5. Adiye nje oka, o mu omi, o gbe okuta pe pe pe mi, sibe sibe o ni ohun o ni eyin, to o ba ni eyin, se o ma je irin ni? (Yoruba and Idanre)
    A chicken eats corn, drinks water and swallows little pebbles, but still complains of having no teeth. If she had teeth would she eat steel? (Literal English)
    explanation...

  6. Kud mbelawa a hada a hwad. (Mafa)
    Les larmes de l'orphelin coulent dans le ventre. (French)
    The tears of the orphan run inside. (English)
    explanation...

  7. Oli fo'nu oko kpa ma gbaluka ebe. (Igala)
    When a tree falls on a yam farm and kills the farm's owner, you don't waste time counting the numbers of yam hips ruined. (English)
    explanation...

  8. Linza: mi da wu:ta ma:ganin mahaukacin do:ki. (Hausa)
    A bit with fire, the medicine for a mad horse. (Literal English translation)
    A boisterous horse needs a boisterous bridle. (Meaning English translation)
    explanation...

  9. Sade a bha gbe eban, eban di khien Edin. (Esan)
    Provided no person stunts or destroys a sprouting palm kernel seedling, it will definitely grow into a palm tree. (English)
    explanation...
     
  10. Munyal deefan hayre. (Fulfulde)
    Avec beaucoup de patience on peut cuire même une pierre. (French)
    Patience can cook a stone. (English)
    explanation...
Rwanda
  1. Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone. (Swahili)

    2. Let the guest come so that the host or hostess may benefit (get well). (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Heri pazia kuliko bendera. (Swahili)

    3. Better a curtain hanging motionless than a flag blowing in the wind.
    explanation...

  3. Wapiganapo tembo nyasi huumia. (Swahili)
    When elephants fight the grass (reeds) gets hurt. (English)
    explanation...

  4. Ijambo ry-umukuru ritorwamo igufwa. (Rwanda and Rundi)
    De la parole d'un vieux on tire un os. (French)
    Ndani ya neno la mzee hupatikana mfupa. (Swahili)
    From the word of an elder is derived a bone. (English)
    explanation...
Senegal
  1. Wax soxu fetal la; su reccee, dabu ko wees. . (Wolof)
    La parole, c’est une charge de fusil, si elle s’echappe on ne peut pas la rattraper.. (French)
    Words are like bullets; if they escape, you can’t catch them again. . (English)
    explanation...
Sierra Leone
  1. Okro tik nor de grow pas en master. (Krio. Also found in Edo)
    An okra tree does not grow taller than its master. (English)
    explanation...

  2. Njaa ngla leweni w ndoma l woma. (Mende)
    The dog was beaten by the rain because of love. (Literal English Translation) 
    Love is blind. (Figurative English Translation)
    explanation...
Somalia

  1. Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone. (Swahili)

    2. Let the guest come so that the host or hostess may benefit (get well). (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Heri pazia kuliko bendera. (Swahili)

    3. Better a curtain hanging motionless than a flag blowing in the wind. (English)
    explanation...

  3. Wapiganapo tembo nyasi huumia. (Swahili)
    When elephants fight the grass (reeds) gets hurt. (English)
    explanation...
South Africa
  1. Lepotla-potla le ja poli; lesisitheho le ja khomo. (Sesotho)
    2. The "hurry-hurry" person eats goat; the one who takes his or her time (or hesitates) eats beef. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Imbilaph' ivun' isilonda. (Zulu)
    3. The groin pains in sympathy with the sore. (English)
    explanation...

  3. Kushayw'edonsayo. (Zulu). 
    The lead cow (the one in front) gets whipped the most.  (English)
    explanation...

Sudan
  1. Joki nô ga volo, ni baka ei gpi murtu. (Balanda/Belanda Viri)
    (Also in Sudanese Colloquial Spoken Arabic and Modern Standard Written Arabic)
    God is a great eye. He sees everything in the world. (English)
    explanation...

  2. Ejok nyitoan ewok nyakung. (Toposa)
    The person who has a light knee can survive longer. (English)
    explanation...

  3. Ngora inlingino nanine; ndobagi nalobehe ngoba. (Nuba-Tira)
    Cows are born with ears; later they grow horns. (English)
    explanation...

  4. Kitacakari nyakook ewonit ngibaren. (Toposa)
    An empty stomach can make a person lose his or her cattle; that is, when the stomach is empty the legs become weak and you can't run after your animals. (English)
    explanation...

  5. Ma'di a erwa ni Ma'di. (Ma'di)
    The cure of the Ma'di is Ma'di. (English)
    explanation...
     
  6. Munyal deefan hayre. (Fulfulde)
    Avec beaucoup de patience on peut cuire même une pierre. (French)
    Patience can cook a stone. (English)
    explanation...

  7. Ca ygwa opi ro ongona tiza ondro kandra kozi ka'do te owo'. (Moru).
    Mwana wa chifu anatakiwa kuokota kuni wakati mustakabali wake utakapomwangamiza. (Swahili)
    The chief's son has to collect firewood when destiny destroys him. (English)
    explanation...
Swaziland
  1. Imbilaph' ivun' isilonda. (Zulu)
    The groin pains in sympathy with the sore. (English)
    explanation...

  2. Kushayw'edonsayo. (Zulu). 
    The lead cow (the one in front) gets whipped the most.  (English)
    explanation...


Tanzania
  1. Nalukolekejaga sonda (ng'weli) walola lwala. (Sukuma)

    2. Nilikuonyesha nyota (mwezi) na uliangalia kidole tu. (Swahili)
    I pointed out to you the stars (the moon) and all you saw was the tip of my finger. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. "Atannayita: y'atenda nnyina obufumbi (=okufumba)" (Ganda)
    The person who has not traveled widely thinks his or her mother is the only cook (the best cook). (Ganda also found in Bemba, Akamba and Gikuyu, Haya, Igbo and Yoruba)

    3. explanation...
     
  3. Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone. (Swahili)

    4. Let the guest come so that the host or hostess may benefit (get well). (English)
    explanation...
     
  4. Omoonto umwi nkirunguuri, ababere nitoonge rebukima. (Kuria)

    5. One person is thin porridge or gruel; two or three people are a lump (handful) of ugali (stiff cooked meal/flour from sorghum or millet). (English)
    explanation...
     
  5. Heri pazia kuliko bendera. (Swahili)

    6. Better a curtain hanging motionless than a flag blowing in the wind. (English)
    explanation...
     
  6. Kotoku tew a, na mmati adwo. (Twi also found in Luo)
    When the bag tears, the shoulders get a rest. (English)
    explanation...
     
  7. Ichifulala uka si chitisi kulemesha inzuusi. (Fipa)

    8. Anayeoga maji kwa hiari yake hata hisi baridi. (Swahili)
    One who bathes willingly with cold water doesn't feel the cold. (English)
    explanation...
     
  8. Utamirhe ya mokorho, urhagenda bwirhe. (Ngoreme)

    9. Kama ukikataa la mkubwa utatembea kutwa nzima. (Swahili)
    If you refuse the elder's advice you will walk the whole day. (English)
    explanation...
     
  9. Utizunduka chimba limi litinagwa. (Sukuma)

    10. Usimtukane kiongozi wa uwindaji jua halijatua. (Swahili)
    Do not insult the hunting guide before the sun has set. (English)
    explanation...
     
  10. Fulu bende oro ngege. - Luo

    11. Hata furu (uduvi) humtuma sato. - Swahili
    Even haplochromis (name of a small fish) employs tilapia (name of a large fish). - English
    explanation...

  11. Nihumili kutali, lunikomi lugendu. (Ngoni)
    Nimetoka mbali, safari imenichosha. (Swahili)
    I have come a long way; the journey has exhausted me. (English)
    explanation...

  12. Bahana owo gulimu. (Haya)
    Aonywaye na kufuata ni yule mwenye roho tulivu. (Swahili)
    A person who is not disciplined cannot be cautioned. (English)
    explanation...

  13. Nyamwirimira kubhibhi, risambu bhandogera. (Kwaya)
    Anayelima vibaya husema shamba lake limerogwa. (Swahili)
    A person who does not cultivate well his or her farm always says that it has been bewitched. (English)
    explanation...

  14. Abema hamoi basindika eitara. ( Haya)
    Mikono mingi kazi haba. ( Swahili)
    Many hands make light work. (English)
    explanation...

  15. Wapiganapo tembo nyasi huumia. (Swahili)
    When elephants fight the grass (reeds) gets hurt. (English)
    explanation...

  16. Omuhuma akenda kwota omulilo; esenya yatizwa onda'zo. (Zinza)
    Mtutsi alipenda kuota moto; dume la ng'ombe likachukuliwa na mwingine. (Swahili)
    A Tutsi liked to warm himself by the fire; someone else took the bull. (English)
    explanation...

  17. Ng'ora, ng'ora, kirunguri gekuya gokerandi. (Kuria)
    Pole, pole uji uende kibuyu. (Swahili)
    Slowly, slowly, porridge goes into the gourd. (English)
    explanation...

  18. Wang' mithiedho ema gawi. (Luo)
    Jicho ulilotibu ndilo linarudi kukuangalia vibaya. (Swahili)
    An eye that you treat is the one that turns against you. (English)
    explanation...

  19. Gaba malusi ne mamvi. (Sumbwa)
    Yamekuwa matapishi na mavi. (Swahili)
    Like vomit and shit under your feet (the rumormonger spreads scandal). (English)
    explanation...

  20. Ugendelage uludodi ulukafu luladenyeha. (Bena)
    Tembelea mti mbichi mkavu utavunjika. (Swahili)
    Walk on a fresh tree, the dry one will break. (English)
    explanation...

  21. Ngoko ya ng'wana itamilaga igino. (Sukuma)
    Kuku mwenye vifaranga hamezi funza (nyungunyungu). (Swahili)
    The hen with baby chicks doesn't swallow the worm. (English)
    explanation...

  22. Amihwa gaholela nwele. (Longo)
    Miba imepoa kwenye wayo. (Swahili)
    The thorn in your foot is temporarily appeased, but it is still in. (English)
    explanation...

  23. Akolahee Ngorulahi kukosaa Ngarambangandu? (Mpoto)

    24. Je, haupo uwezekano Ngorulahi akatosheka na Ngarambangandu kukosa? (Swahili)
    Cannot Ngorulahi be satisfied and Ngarambangandu miss the chance? (English)
    explanation...

  24. Hano wangere iyomokoro oregeenda bwire. (Kuria)
    Kama ukikataa la mkuu utatembea mpaka machweo. (Swahili)
    If you refuse the advice of an elder you will walk until sunset. (English)
    explanation...

  25. Maji ya moto hayachomi nyumba. (Sukuma and Ngoreme)
    Hot water does not burn down the house. (English)
    explanation...

  26. Amaisho gomukuru gakila orumuli kumulika. (Haya)
    Fumbo mfubie mjinga mwerevu huling’amua. (Swahili)
    The eyes of the wise person see through you. (English)
    explanation...


  27. Biye ojemo ni ng’wen. (Luo)
    Mchwa awachongea kumbikumbi. (Swahili)
    The fierce white ants cause the death of the kind and harmless ants. (Literal English translation)
    Termites cause death, damage, and great harm to white ants. (Meaning English translation)
    explanation...

  28. Mila mata, pewiyomboka mtandu wa libihi. (Ngoni)
    Umeze mate unapovuka juu ya daraja la gogo moja. (Literal Swahili)
    Penye kikwazo piga moyo konde. (Figurative Swahili)
    Swallow saliva before you cross a one-log bridge. (Literal English)
    explanation...

  29. Jojutupii ngakumanya mwini nzala. (Matengo)
    Aliyekwisha kushiba hamjui mwenye njaa. (Kiswahili)
    The person who has eaten and satisfied himself or herself does not care for the one who is hungry. (English)
    explanation...

  30. Kulalya ukiwa kommba mndu vo / Ulandelye ukiwa ulandewe mndu pfo / Utametelya ukiva weva mndu kwi. (Three Chagga dialects)
    Usipopata taabu hujawa mtu. (Swahili)
    Suffering is prior to attaining success or perfection. (English)
    explanation...

  31. Otakubuza Lukole wahikile Mubaga. (Subi)
    Usiulize Lukole wakati umeishafika Mubaga. (Swahili)
    Don’t ask for Lukole when you have already reached [the village of] Mubaga. (Literal English Translation)
    Don’t ask for Glasgow when you have already reached London. (Figurative English Meaning)
    explanation...

     

  32. Umtajiri ntagira umsozi. (Shubi)

    Mtajiri hana mlima. (Swahili)

    A rich person does not have a mountain. (Literal English Translation)

    A rich person does not have to struggle, that is, share the problems of ordinary people. (Figurative English Translation)

    explanation...

     

  33. Obusisi bubili tibulemwa nsenene emoi. (Haya, Sukuma)
    Sisimizi wawili hawashindwi kuvuta panzi mmoja. (Swahili)
    Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. (English)

    explanation...

     


  34. Akantu karokubhabaza ukabhinze karagaruka. (Shubi)
    Kitu kinachodhamiria kukudhuru, kitakudhuru hata kama utakikwepa. (Literal Swahili Translation)
    Ajali haina kinga. (Figurative Swahili Translation)
    It is difficult to escape a trap set against you even if you try to avoid it. (Literal English Translation)
    The thing that will hurt you will always keep on coming back even if you try to avoid it. (Figurative English translation)
    explanation...
Togo
  1. Nunya, adidoe, asi metunee o. (Akan and Ewe)

    2. La science est le tronc d'un baobab qu'une seule personne ne peut embrasser. (French)
    Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Lilî be de gbÇ, de gbÇe wotua xÇ. (Ewe)

    3. La guêpe dit que plusieurs voyages réguliers à un puits de boue lui permet de construire sa maison. (French)
    The wasp says that several regular trips to a mud pit enables it to build a house. (English)
    explanation...
     
  3. Munyal deefan hayre. (Fulfulde)
    Avec beaucoup de patience on peut cuire même une pierre. (French)
    Patience can cook a stone. (English)

  4. Gnatola ma no kpon sia, eyenabe adelan to kpo mi sena. (Ewe-mina)
    A moins ce que le lion ait son propre narrateur, le chasseur aura toujours la belle part de l'histoire. (French)
    Until the lion has his or her own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story. (English)
    explanation...

Uganda
  1. "Atannayita: y'atenda nnyina obufumbi (=okufumba)" (Ganda also found in Akamba, Bemba, Gikuyu, Haya, Igbo and Yoruba)
    The person who has not traveled widely thinks his or her mother is the only cook (the best cook). (English)

    2. explanation...
     
  2. Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone. (Swahili)

    3. Let the guest come so that the host or hostess may benefit (get well). (English)
    explanation...
     
  3. Heri pazia kuliko bendera. (Swahili)

    4. Better a curtain hanging motionless than a flag blowing in the wind. (English)
    explanation...
     
  4. Kotoku tew a, na mmati adwo. (Twi also found in Luo)
    When the bag tears, the shoulders get a rest. (English)
    explanation...
     
  5. Fulu bende oro ngege. - Luo

    6. Hata furu (uduvi) humtuma sato. - Swahili
    Even haplochromis (name of a small fish) employs tilapia (name of a large fish). - English
    explanation...

  6. Amaaso agamyuka omutezi, ge gamyuka n'akasolo. (Ganda)
    Macho ya mwindaji nayo hugeuka mekundu sawa na mnyama mdogo anayemwinda. (Swahili)
    The eyes of the trapper are as subject to reddening as those of the small animal (that he pursues). (English)
    explanation...

  7. Amaadhi amasabe tigamala ndigho. (Soga and Ganda)
    Maji ya bure hayakati kiu. (Swahili)
    Water that has been begged for does not quench the thirst. (English)
    explanation...

  8. Wapiganapo tembo nyasi huumia. (Swahili)
    When elephants fight the grass (reeds) gets hurt. (English)
    explanation...

  9. Ma'di a erwa ni Ma'di. (Ma'di)
    The cure of the Ma'di is Ma'di. (English)
    explanation...

  10. Drinza si okuku dra oboa. (Lugbara)
    Due to shyness the tortoise died in a boat. (Literal English Translation)
    Kutokana na woga, kobe alikufa mashuani. (Literal Swahili Translation)
    explanation...
  11. Abayita ababiri bajjukanya (=bejjukanya). (Ganda)
    Waendao pamoja hugutushana.     (Literal Swahili Translation)
    Umoja ni nguvu.     (Figurative Swahili Translation)
    Those who walk together warn each other.     (Literal English Translation)
    Unity is strength.     (Figurative English Translation)
    explanation...

  12. Obusisi bubili tibulemwa nsenene emoi. (Haya, Sukuma)
    Sisimizi wawili hawashindwi kuvuta panzi mmoja. (Swahili)
    Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. (English)

    explanation...

     


Zambia
  1. "Atannayita: y'atenda nnyina obufumbi (=okufumba)" (Ganda)
    The person who has not traveled widely thinks his or her mother is the only cook (the best cook). (Ganda also found in Akamba, Bemba, Gikuyu, Haya, Igbo and Yoruba)

    2. explanation...
     
  2. Ukapanda mano usamaswe phale. (Nyanja)

    3. If you have no teeth, do not break the clay cooking pot. (English)
    explanation...
     
  3. Uwaingila mu mushintu, tomfwa nswanswa. (Bembe)

    4. One who enters the forest does not listen to the breaking of the twigs in the brush. (English)
    explanation...
     
  4. Nsungwi ya mtuwa sisiliridwa. (Chewa)

    5. A tender bamboo cannot be eagerly desired (for building). (English)
    explanation...
Zimbabwe
  1. Ukapanda mano usamaswe phale. (Nyanja)

    2. If you have no teeth, do not break the clay cooking pot. (English)
    explanation...
     
  2. Nsungwi ya mtuwa sisiliridwa. (Chewa)

    3. A tender bamboo cannot be eagerly desired (for building). (English)
    explanation...

  3. Kure ndokusina, kwachiri unofa wasvika. (Shona)

    4. Far is where there is nothing, where something is that you will struggle to the death to reach. (Literal English translation)
    Where there is a will there is a way. (Closest English equivalent proverb)
    explanation...
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