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.
From our compliments & insults
- Tu as le vent en poupe — Everything is going your way — you're riding a wave of momentum and success.
- Tu es un as — You're brilliant at what you do — the very best.
- Tu as de la répartie — You're brilliantly quick-witted — always ready with the perfect comeback.