IdiomDaily Life
Swahili
SwahiliPole pole ndio mwendo
Meaning: Slow and steady gets you there.
Literally: Slowly slowly is the way to go
Example: “Usikimbie mwanzoni mwa mbio; pole pole ndio mwendo.” — Don't sprint at the start of the race; slow and steady wins the race.
English equivalent: Slow and steady wins the race
Origin: "Slowly, slowly is the way to go": pole pole (gently, slowly) is one of the most familiar Swahili phrases, much repeated to visitors and climbers on Kilimanjaro. The proverb praises steady, patient progress, like English "slow and steady wins the race."
Equivalents in other languages
French: Qui va piano va sano Literally: Who goes gently goes safely
More Swahili idioms
- 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.
- Chovya chovya humaliza buyu la asali Small indulgences add up to a big loss.
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