IdiomBody & Senses
Swahili
SwahiliKidole kimoja hakivunji chawa
Meaning: You cannot do everything alone.
Literally: One finger can't crush a louse
Example: “Tujenge kisima pamoja; kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa.” — Let's build the well together; many hands make light work.
English equivalent: Many hands make light work
Origin: A louse is crushed between two thumbnails, so one finger alone cannot kill it. The Swahili proverb means that some things cannot be done without help, like the Arabic "one hand doesn't clap."
Equivalents in other languages
Hungarian: Sok lúd disznót győz Literally: Many geese defeat a pig
Irish: Ní neart go cur le chéile Literally: There's no strength without unity
More Swahili idioms
- Chovya chovya humaliza buyu la asali Small indulgences add up to a big loss.
- Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu Effort and initiative are always rewarded.
- 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.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- I had not cut my wise teeth. Lacking experience or maturity, one cannot yet recognize or act upon good judgment.
- Desperate cuts must have desperate cures. Severe problems require bold, unconventional solutions, even if risky or painful.
- No longer pipe, no longer dance. When the music stops, those dependent on it must cease their enjoyment and move forward.
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