Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa

Meaning: You cannot do everything alone.

Language: Swahili

Literally: One finger can't crush a louse

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: Squashing a louse takes two thumbnails together, picturing the necessity of cooperation.

More idioms — Body & Senses

• Tynnu blewyn o drwyn — To provoke or tease someone.
• E ka gjuhën të gjatë — He gossips and speaks too freely.
• Essere in gamba — To be sharp, capable and on the ball.
• Fare orecchie da mercante — To turn a deaf ear deliberately.
• Chorar de barriga cheia — To complain when you have nothing to complain about.
• Положить зубы на полку — To go hungry; to tighten your belt.

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.

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