Chovya chovya humaliza buyu la asali

Meaning: Small indulgences add up to a big loss.

Language: Swahili

Literally: Dipping bit by bit empties the gourd of honey

Category: Food & Drink

Origin: Repeatedly dipping a finger for a taste eventually drains the entire honey gourd dry.

More idioms — Food & Drink

• Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu — Effort and initiative are always rewarded.
• Être soupe au lait — To be quick-tempered and flare up easily.
• Avoir la pêche — To be full of energy and on top form.
• Faire chou blanc — To draw a complete blank; to fail.
• Ramener sa fraise — To butt in or show off uninvited.
• To bite off more than you can chew — To take on more than you can handle.

More Swahili idioms

• Pole pole ndio mwendo — Slow and steady gets you there.
• Mvumilivu hula mbivu — Patience is rewarded.
• Haraka haraka haina baraka — Haste makes waste.
• Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame — You must work and humble yourself for what you want.
• Penye nia pana njia — Determination always finds a path.
• Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa — You cannot do everything alone.

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