146@AFADHALI KUVUNJA UCHUMBA KULIKO KUVUNJA NDOA.@REK@It's better to break an engagement than a marriage. #147@AJAYE KISIMANI MBELE HUNYWA MAJI MAENGE.@MARA 2.@The first person coming at the well drinks clean water. Those coming afterwards will find muddied water.@We should not wait for others to start doing things. #148@AKIRUKA, USIRUKE NAYE; MTEGE UTAMNASA.@REK.@When they jump, don't jump with them; set a trap and you will catch them. #149@AKUTANGULIAYE CHANONI HUKUZIDI TONGE.@JKP.@The one who goes before you to the food platter will get a bigger piece than you. Use the opportunity.@Chano: a big platter. #150@ALIKUWA WAPI NI KUJITUNZA.@NGU.@They who were there are taking care of themselves. Minding your own business. Being alert. #151@ALIYEJAMBA, MNGOJE ATAKUNYA@NGU.@Beware of those who break wind, they are about to defecate. This is said if something is going to happen. Someone will fall down or something will give. #152@ALIYENGOJA, HAWEZI KUJA.@RSP 120.@One who waits cannot come [at all]. "One of these days is none of these days." #153@AOMBAYE MAGADI AWE NA KIGAE (CHAKE).@EM13.15.@One who asks for baking powder [soda] should have a container.@One should cooperate with the help given. Cf. 824. #154@ASAZACHO MWIZI MGANGA ATWAE.@SM.@What the thief has left for you, take it to the witch doctor [to put a curse on the thief].@When someone has been burgled, the person will call the diviner who will 'find' the thief, for a very big fee. Your friends may cause more damage than your enemies – SPK. Asazacho = anachokisaza (anachokibakisha: what someone left behind. Sazo, ma@ : left over. #155@ASIKUWAHI MWOMBA KIBUYO.@EM 14.18; KA.@Let not the one in need of a gourd precede you.@If you are in need of something you should make your request known early upon arrivalÍ, lest somebody coming later gets it – EM. First things first. #156@ASILI YA KUCHONGA MWIKO NI KUCHOKA KUUUNGUA@JKP.@The reason for carving a spoon [to stir the porridge] is being tired of burning [a hand]. Cf. 257 #157@ASIYE NA MACHO AKAAZIME YA KONDOO.@AL 582.@One who has no eyes should borrow the eyes of a sheep.@Don't expect anything from a narrow@minded person. AL. Cf. 1333, 1334. #158@ASIYEJIANGALIA HUISHIA "NINGALIJUA."@KA.@A person who does not look out [is careless] will end up [saying] "If I had known." #159@ASIYEKUWAPO NA LAKE HALIPO.@F 4.37; H 96; SWA 66; JKP; Holiday.@One who is not there, nothing of that person is there.@If you are absent you lose your share. "You have to be present at the division of an inheritance. Leave no business to others" JK. #160@ASIYEPO HAANGUKIWI.@JK 135.@Those who are not there will not have anything falling on them.@Variant: MTI HAUANGULII WASIOPO. A tree drops nothing on those who are not there. The cultural reference is to the coconut plantations, of which there are many on the Swahili coast. Every morning the mkezi, the professional climber, climbs the trees and cuts down the ripe coconuts. Anyone walking underneath may get one on the head, which is unpleasant; as a result, however, that person will have a coconut, which ia pleasant. So, the proverb has two applicative meanings: (1) Ambitious and greedy people will always be found in places where advantages can be got, or where high offices are to be had, so they are seen in the company of dignitaries and wealthy people; (2) Conversely, if there seems to be a danger somewhere, it is better to be absent - SPK p.116-17. Cf. 3111, 3134, 4017. #161@ATAHIRIWAPO MTOTO (or MWANA)WA MTEMI, NA WA MASKINI@EM 17.26; KA mwana.@Where the chief's son is circumcised, there the son of the poor family should also be circumcised.@Opportunity given to an important person or member of the family should also be given to the less fortunate or member of another family - EM. This proverb has many uses: equal opportunity, but also to be alert when there are opportunities. #162@BAADA YA KIFO NI TABIBU.@MEM 113.@After death, the doctor. When it is too late one looks for the remedy.@In the same vein: BAADA YA NYAMA HARADALI. MEM 116. After the meat, the mustard. #163@BADILIKO KWA MJUKUU UANZE NA BABU.@EM 22.1.@A change needed in a grandchild has to begin with the grandfather. Start early. #164@BAHATI IKIBISHA (or IKIPIGA) HODI NI SHARTI UFUNGUE MLANGO MWENYEWE.@EM 23.3; KA ikipiga. @When fortune knocks at the door, you have to open the door yourself.@For example: If there is a vacancy for employment, don't wait until you are called, but go after it - EM. #165@BILA [KUMSHINDA] NYUKI HUPATI ASALI.@EM 26.13.@Without [overcoming] bees you cannot get honey.@Understood: You must confront the bees.If you want to succeed, be ready to deal with difficulties - EM. #166@BILA SILAHA USIINGIE VITANI.@EM 27.15.@Don't join in a fight if you have no weapons.@Don't start anything without making adequate preparations - EM. #167@BILAURI SI KOPO.@AL 553.@A [drinking] glass is not worth a [tin] cup.@It's nicer but is easily broken. Beauty versus performance. #168@BORITI IKIANGUKA, BORITI MPYA IKAZE.@JKP.@When a roof beam falls, fix a new one.@"This may refer to a widow or widower" - JK. Cf. 368. #169@BUNDE HAVIZIWI KWA NYUMA.@NGU.@An owl is not caught from behind.@An owl is always looking. It is not easy to challenge a brave person. Vizia: ambush. #170@CHACHU KIDOGO HUUMUA MKATE.@NESTOR p.5.@A little yeast raises the loaf.@A small fire destroys a big forest. Umua: raise. #171@CHELEWA-CHELEWA UTAMKUTA MWANA SI WAKO.@ZO 33.@For always postponing you discover that the child is not yours. #172@CHURA AKITUPWA MAJINI HAFI.@EM 40.21.@If a frog is thrown into water it doesn't die.@This means that a person may believe to have punished somebody while in fact one has done a favor to that person - EM. #173@CHURA ALIAPO MAJI YANGALI MACHACHE, YAKIJAA HALII.@NGU.@A frog in shallow water does not cry when the water is high.@The frog cries because there is something important going on, e.g., fighting in parliament about something valuable. The frog does not cry when all is well. #174@DALILI YA MVUA [ni] MAWINGU.@F 7.1; T. 57; H 27; A 94; V 94; J dalili; RECH 67; CM 60; MARA 13; KB 48; 2.13; KS dalili.@The sign of rain is clouds.@Watch out for early warning signs. Cf. 325, 1551. #175@DAMA NI ILO MKONONI.@ED 10.@The sailing rope is in [your] hand. The dama is the rope which holds the sail in the wind and is important to catch the wind; it works only "when in the hand." Take your own decisions @SPK.-Note: Dama is also a game played on a board llke chessæ, checkers, a kind of bao. Therefore: "the play is what is in your hand" [stones or seeds used in the game]. Bao, the world's oldest game, has many names in the world: wari, mancala, dakon, sunca, pani, mongola, adi, giuthi, choro, etc. Same meaning as 180, 207, 285. #176@E, KENGEWA LOLO, KIPATA NYAKUA.@JKP.@You swift kite, if you find [a chicken] grab it.@"Make use of the opportunity when it comes" - JKP. #177@ENENDA KWA TASIHILI WALA USITAGHAFALI.@JKP.@Go quickly [when you are sent on an errand] and never be negligent.@Taghafali: be neglectful, thoughtless, inattentive. #178@ENGA KABLA YA KUJENGA.@KA.@Take care before building.@Think carefully about the results and possibilities of your actions. Enga= angalia: consider. #178A@FANYA FUNDO KWA SIKU YA MASHAKA.@SPK.@Make a knot for the day of distress.@Swahili people used to keep their money in a knot in a corner of their garment. Provide against a rainy day - SPK. #179@FEDHA HAIWEZI KUNUNUA "KAMA NINGEJUA".@NGU.@Money cannot buy "if only I had known." Missed opportunity. #180@FIMBO ILIYO MKONONI, NDIYO IUAYO NYOKA.@L 19; F 8.2; J; B 2.42.@The stick in the hand is the one that kills the snake.@Often there is no time to look for a weapon, when confronted with a snake. Make the best of what you have; have your credentials with you. Cf. 181. #181@FIMBO YA MBALI HAIUI NYOKA.@B 2.42; MARA 15; KS fimbo.@The stick which is far [not at hand] does not kill the snake. Cf. 207. #182@FUA CHUMA WAKATI KINGALI NA MOTO.@ZAW 173; AL 259.@Strike the iron while it is still hot. Cf. 318. #183@HAIDHURU HUDHURU.@EM h3; JKP.@Never mind brings harm.@Carelessness is dangerous - JKP. "If something shows signs of going wrong, it should be rectified immediately so that it can bring no harm" - EM.-HAIDHURU, HAIUI LAKINI INADHURU. NGU. ÒIt does not matterÓ does not kill, but it harms. Cf. 368. #184@HAJIKWAI MTU KWENYE MLIMA, HUJIKWAA KWENYE KILIMA CHA FUKO.@EM h4.@People do not stumble over a moíuntain, they stumble over a molehill.@"It's easier for a person to stumble over an insignificant matter than over a significant one" - EM. #185@HALA HALA MTI NA MACHO. @NGU; F 9.2; B 3.67.@Watch out - a tree and eyes.@A warning: Timber! Alaala or halahala: expression of annoyance, impatience. #186@HAMADI [NI ILIYO] KIBINDONI, SILAHA [NI] ILIYO MKONONI.@B 2.32;-F 9.3; JKP; KS kibindo.@F. translates freely: "By the Prophet! I have some cash on me, is as good as having a weapon ready in one's hand in time of need."@"Only what you have in hand can be relied on" - JKP. Hamadi is the invocation to Mohammed for help. Kibindo: a loincloth. Money was once kept in the corner of it - L; F. Can also refer to greed, when someone takes things at parties, taking them home hidden in the clothing – MM. Often shorter versions are used: HAMADI KILICHO BINDONI. V hamadi. Secure is what one carries in one's belt. ILIYO BINDONI. Sacl 108. What is tied in the knot of the loincloth [is secure]. ILIYO BINDONI IMO SALIMINI. SPK. That which is in one's pocket is safe. HAMADI KIBINDONI. H 98; T 15; L 22; KS hamadi. hamadi: An exclamation in stumbling or dropping a cup or saucer – KS. Use: Chukueni chakula safarini msije piga hamadi. Take food with you on the trip, so you don't have to say 'hamadi'. Nilimfuata mke wangu nyumbani kwao hamadi mke hayupo, I followed my wife in their home, 'hamadi' (alas) she was not there. #187@HAPA SI PALE.@NGU.@Here is not there. #188@HAUCHI, HAUCHI, UNAKUCHA@H 42, G 11.13; L 23; SWA 4.@It does not dawn! It does not dawn! ... It dawns!@Certain things will happen, even if you believe they will not happen - L. Time and tide wait for nobody - H. #189@HAYAWI, HAYAWI, HUWA.@H 42; F 11.14; KB 68.@They are not happening, they are not happening ... they happen - MM.@It's no use sticking your head in the sand; you may keep on saying "There's nothing to worry about," but suddenly, there is! - F. Cf. 188. #190HIARI NA KITARI NI YAKO.@JKP.@The choice and preference is yours [your final decision].@In the last resort you have to decide for yourself - JKP. #191@HOFIA KIJACHO@NGU.@Fear for what is coming.@Prepare for the future. #192@HUISHA VIZURI KIANZWACHO VIZURI.@Wikon l99.@What is begun well, ends well. #193@HUYAONDOSHA MAVI YANGALI FUKUTO; YAKIISHA OZA NI MAGUMU.@AL 263.@One clears the excrement while it is warm, it's more difficult when it is hard.@A quick decision is needed before things get worse - AL. #194@ILIYOPITA SI NDWELE, GANGA IJAYO.@F 12.3; MS 94; MARA 3; ZO p.243; SPK; F 52.2; B 2.6.@That which has passed is not a disease [anymore], cure what is coming.@Stop meditating on past troubles, try to prevent their repetition. #195@ INAFAA KUSEMEA MGOMBA UNGALI WIMA.@KB 78.@One must plead the case of the banana tree while it is still standing.@Speaking good of people after their death is useless. Look after your business before it is too late. #196@JAMBIA KIUNONI NA BAKORA MKONONI.@AL 513; AL kiuno.@A dagger in the belt [sash] and a stick in the hand.@Taking precautions. #197@JAMBO KUINGIA SAHALI, KUTOKA NI MASHUGHULI.@JKP.@It is easy to get involved in a conflict, but to get out is an embarrassment.@Sahali (-epesi): easy. Jambo: an affair, matter. Shughuli: trouble. #198@JAWABU LA KESHO HUANDAA [huandaliwa]@LEO. J; KB jawabu; Sacl 183; NGU.@Tomorrow's business one gets ready today. #199@JE, HAIKAWII.@NGU.@What? The answer comes quickly. And is often bad. #199A@JENGA NYUMBA MBELE YA KUOA.@SPK.@Build a house before marrying. #200@JOGOO HULIA: "UTA WANGU U KULE."@F13.6; B l.36; CM 50; T 559.@The rooster crows, "My bow is far away." This is what the rooster is supposed to say, as an excuse for not being ready to fight the hawk stealing the chicken.@An onomotopoetic line based on the noise made by a crowing rooster. Cf. 838. #201@JUA LA ASUBUHI HALIDUMU SIKU NZIMA.@NGU.@The morning sun does not last the whole day.@Do not delay your plans. #202@JUA LIKITUCHEA, NYOTA ZITAPOTEA.@JKP.@When the sun overtakes us, the stars will be lost.@Morning prayers have to be performed before sunrise. There is a right time for everything - JKP. -cha: dawn. #203@JUMBE ATOKEAPO, MSALIMU PAPO HAPO.@EM j20.@When the village head appears greet him there and then.@The jumbe are busy people and many look to them for help. Greet them before they leave. You may miss your chance to make your request. Cf. 195. #204@KALE HAIRUDI.@NGU.@The [good] old times do not come back. #205@KAMA HUNA SAA YA MKONO LAZIMA JUA LIKUONGOZE.@REK.@If you don't have a wristwatch look at the sun for guidance.@Be inventive. Don't be stopped by one obstacle. #206@KAMATA UNACHOKIONA, USINGOJE KIJACHO.@NGU.@Take it when you see it, don't wait for what [might] come. #207@KAMBA YA MBALI HAIFUNGI KUNI.@MARA 23; KA.@A rope far away does not tie the firewood.@Cf.181, 3630. #208@KAMBARE HAPISHI CHAMBO.@AL 251.@A catfish does not let the bait go by. #209@KAMBARE HUKUNJWA MBICHI.@NGU.@The catfish is straightened when fresh. #210@KENDA FUMBATA, SIO KUMI NENDA UJE [KESHO].@EM K5;KS.@Grasp the nine, not the ten to collect later [tomorrow].@Nine things of which you are sure are better than ten you are promised. "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." Cf. 2493, 3481. #211@KENGELE HAILII BURE, MPAKA MTU ANAICHOKOZA.@AL 1691.@A bell does not ring by itself, someone must put it in motion.@Mpaka, ila: but, until. Chokoza: tease, bully, annoy, vex. #212@KESHO SI LEO.@JKP.@Tomorrow is not today. "Said when a customer promises: 'I'll pay tomorrow” - JK. #213@KIATU (or viatu) SIKU YA MWENDO.@ED 17; JK 143; Sacl.669 viatu; 1021; T 138.@Shoe for the day of a journey.@NDAU SIKU YA MIUYA. ED 59; Sacl 669; T 138. A bailing bucket for the day of big waves. SILAHA SIKU YA KHONDO. ED 67; JK 143; T 138. A weapon for the day of battle. All three proverbs warn us to be ready, to be on the alert. A cordial way of greeting one's friends - JK. #214@KIMA ALIYETANGULIA HALI TUNDA BOVU.@AL 1199.@The monkey that arrived first does not eat a rotten fruit. #215@KIMBIA UGWE USIJEONA NG'OMBE.@EM k12.@When you see the rope, run before the bull appears.@The bull is tied to the rope. This is related to the play between people and bulls on Pemba Island. Be careful and watch out for the early signs. #216@KINGA MKONO UPEWE, KUNYANG'ANYA KUNA SHARI.@AL 1537.@Interpose your hand to obtain, taking by force is evil [not allowed].@Show that you are present, to have a chance to receive. #217@KINOLEWACHO HUPATA [hukata].@MARA 29; SAM 10.10; KS noa.@What is sharpened will become sharp [will cut].@What is repeated often enough will stay, even lies. What is cared for will remain useful. Kupata [to get, obtain]: has a special meaning in reference to a knife. E.g., kisu hakipati means: the knife is not sharp - Sacl. pata, kukata: to cut. #218@KIPOFU HAONI ANA MAARIFA.@NGU.@The blind do not know that they have information. Maarifa: knowledge, intelligence, informatioín. KIPOFU HAULIZWI NJIA. NGU. A blind person is not asked the way. KIPOFU KAONA MWEZI. NGU. A blind one has seen the moon. Something nice happened. #219@KISU KIBUTU HAKICHINJI KUKU.@Sacl 122.@A dull knife slaughters no chicken.@KISU KIBUTU HAKIKATI UNYWELE. NGU.A dull knife cuts no hair. Cf. 285. #220@KISU KILICHOMNYOA BUNDI, NA KOKOTORO KIMNYOE.@EM k18.@The knife that shaved the owl should also shave the kokotoro.@The measure given to one should be the same for another. Kokotoro: a kind of nightingale. Cf. 161. #221@KITENDO NI MOTO, MAJUTO NI MJUKUU.@KA.@Action is like fire, sorrow is like a grandchild [it comes afterwards].@Cf. 310. #222@KITU CHA KWANZA KIFANYWE KWANZA.@NGU.@The first things should be done first. #223@KIVULI CHA PUNGU NI KILE CHA NDERI, MAFUMO YA NCHA NDEFU.@JKP.@The eagle's shadow is like that of the vulture, spears have long points.@Always be vigilant, dangers lurk everywhere - JK. #224@KOBE UKIMTUPA MAJINI, KWAKE SI MAUTI BALI NI FURÂAHA.@REK.@If you throw a tortoise in the water, that brings to it not death but joy.@Cf.172. #225@KOHOA UPATE TONGE.@AL 1254; AL kitonge.@Cough and you may get a mouthful.@Make your presence known, so you may be served. #226@KONDOO ALINYIMWA NDEVU.@AL ndevu.@The sheep was denied a beard.@KONDOO HAKUFIKA KWENYE SOKO LA NDEVU. AL 1208. The sheep arrived too late at the beard-market. Animal story: Why the sheep has no beard. #227@KUAMBILIWA KUNA UWONGO, WENDE UKAJIONEE.@AL ji.@Being told is deceitful, go and see for yourself.@See also the section "Lying." #228@KUKIWA JUA, KUKIWA MVUA.@JKP.@If there be shine or rain.@"In any case, at all times" - JKP. #229@KUKU ANAENDELEA KULA, WALIMALIZA SHAURI.@LE2 303.11.@The chicken goes on eating, [while] they have decided its destiny.@People do not know their own destiny. Cf. 299. #230@KULE NI KULE HAKUWEZI KUWA HAPA.@NGU.@There is there, it can never be here. #231@KULUNGU MWOGA HUKIMBIZA PEMBEZE.@T 608.@The timid bushbuck saves its horns.@In spite of the tangled jungle, the long-horned antelope keeps its horns free from entanglement. Cf 257, 2005, 2006. #232@KUMALIZA KIU NI KWENDA MTONI.@REK.@In order to quench your thirst go to the river.@Take appropriate means. #233@KUNI JUU UCHAGA ZACHEKA ZILIZO MOTONI.@KA; SM.@Firewood in storage laughs at that in the fire.@Don't laugh at people who have trouble, your turn may be near. #234@KUNYOLEWA KIPARA SI MWISHO WA KUMEA NYWELE.@REK.@Shaving your head is not the end of growing hair. #235@KUNYOLEWA KUKIWA LAZIMA, KUAHIRISHA SI KWEMA.@JKP.@When shaving is necessary, postponing is not good.@"Pay your debt" - JK. #236@KUONJA NDIKO KULA.@NGU.@Tasting is eating.@Trying drugs may become addictive. #236A@KUPEWA USIKUBALI WAJA TAKA USIPEWE.@KA; SM.@Don't refuse what is given; time will come when you want it, and are not given. #237@LA LEO LISINGOJE KESHO.@EM l4.@What should be done today should not wait for tomorrow. #238@LA WATORO CHAKA NI LILE KWA LILE.@T 215.@The woody place of the runaways is always the very same - T.@The runaway escapes by way of the nearest woods with the only purpose in mind: escape. Any port in a storm. #239@LAZIMA KUNYOSHA MTI UNAPOMEA (or UNAPOOTA) UKIISHA KUKAUKA@HAIWEZEKANI. KB 138.@Put the tree straight while it is growing, when it has hardened it cannot be done.@Cf. 318. #240@LAZIMA MTI UWE NDANI YA MAJI UPATE KUTELEMKA.@JGH 139.@For a tree to go down with the current it must be in the water.@Without help it is hard to succeed. Cf. 265, 1252, 1789. #241@LEGELEGE PEMBE YA NG'OMBE.@FSM 89.@Shake the horn of the cow. Stay loose. Shape up, adjust for the changing conditions of life. #242@LEKEZA, UFUME.@JKP.@Aim well, so that you hit your target.@Lekeza, elekeza: point, show, aim. Fuma, hit with a spear or arrow. #243@LEO NI LEO: ASEMAYE KESHO NI MWONGO.@F 20.4; B 4.84.@Today is today, one who says "tomorrow" is a liar.@Against procrastination, but is also used when people who boasted to do something, are now asked to keep their promise - MM. Used in wedding songs. Cf. 243, 1535, 1537. #244@LIGHAFILIWALO NI LA LUSU.@JKP.@Neglected property is for the thief.@Lusu, mwizi: thief. Ghafiliwa: to be thoughtless, neglected. #245@LIHARIBIKALO HUFANYWA.@JKP.@What is spoiled is mended. "Said to encourage a person to apologize" - JK. #246@LIKITOKA LIOTE.@T 221; A 139; SAM 13.5; KA; JKP.@When it [the sun] comes out, bask in it.@"Make hay while the sun shines." #247@LIPUNGUZE OMO TANGA, KUNA KUSI LA HATARI.@JKP.@Reduce sail up front, the dangerous southerly monsoon is blowing. #248@LISHALO NDILO DOGO KULIKO LIJALO.@MARA 2; KA.@What has been is smaller than what will come.@We should not waste time thinking about past misfortune, but think about what is coming and prepare ourselves to stand up to it - MARA. Cf. 194, 2885. #249@LISILO MKOMA HUJIKOMA LILO.@T 224; A 305; J; SAM 13.7; Sacl 563;@RECH hujikoma lenyewe; KS mkoma. What has no one to end it, ends itself. If you do not guide and bring your business to an end, then it may not end to your liking. A play on words: LISILO NA MKONO, HUJIKONDA LENYEWE. Wikon l99.What has no hand [help] pines away. #249A@MABADILIKO BORA KULIKO MAPUMZIKO.@SPK.@Changing is better than resting. #250@MAISHA HUELEWEKA UKIYATAZAMA KWA NYUMA, LAKINI TUNAISHI TUKITAZAMA MBELE.@EM m2.@Life can be understood looking backwards, but we live looking forwards. We have to look backwards in order to be able to plan the future. #250A@MAJANYANGA MAMOJA.@SPK.@The shallows are all the same. Everywhere along the coast, the shallow waters are dangerous. #250B@MAJI MAANGAVU MALE.@SPK.@Clear water but deep. #251@MAJI YA NAZI HUNYWEWA KATIKA (or KUTOKA) NAZI.@NGU.@Milk of the coconut is drunk from the nut [to enjoy its freshness].@Cf. 4610. #252@MAJI YALIYOKO MBALI HAYAKATI KIU.@REK.@Faraway water quenches no thirst. Cf.181. #253@MAJI YANGALI KIDOGO, YAFAA KUVUKA.@AL 254.@It is wise to cross when the water is still low.

Center for African Studies    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign   african@uiuc.edu