IdiomFood & Drink
Swahili
SwahiliMgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu
Meaning: Effort and initiative are always rewarded.
Literally: One who roams the shore won't eat dry rice
Example: “Alifika sokoni alfajiri akapata samaki bora; mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu.” — He got to the market at dawn and got the best fish: the early bird catches the worm.
English equivalent: The early bird catches the worm
Origin: Upwa is the seashore. Someone who wanders the shore, picking up fish and shellfish, never has to eat their rice plain. The Swahili proverb means that people who stay active and look for chances are always rewarded.
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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