IdiomDaily Life
Swahili
SwahiliMtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame
Meaning: You must work and humble yourself for what you want.
Literally: He who wants what's under the bed must stoop
Example: “Ukitaka kufaulu mtihani, soma; mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame.” — If you want to pass the exam, study: no pain, no gain.
English equivalent: No pain, no gain
Origin: Mvunguni is the space under a bed. Whoever wants something kept under the bed has to bend down to reach it. The Swahili proverb means that anyone who wants something must make the effort, or humble themselves, to get it.
Equivalents in other languages
Irish: Imíonn an tuirse is fanann an tairbhe Literally: The tiredness goes but the benefit remains
More Swahili idioms
- Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa You cannot do everything alone.
- 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.
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