Proverbs in Zambia ∴ simple proverbs 2

Proverbs in Zambia: simple proverbs in Chibale 2
Of the two articles on proverbs that the people in Chibale consider simple, this is the one that presents proverbs about what to expect and how things inevitably work. They can also be found in the first part of the digital book Mu Zambia Amano Mambulwa, see here. The whole book can be downloaded here.

Other articles in this series on proverbs

The proverbs about what to expect and how things work, considered simple in Chibale.

The proverbs about how to behave and what to do when problems arise, considered more demanding in Chibale.
The proverbs about what to expect and how things work, considered more demanding in Chibale.

The proverbs about how to behave and what to do when problems arise, considered deep in Chibale.
The proverbs about what to expect and how things work, considered deep in Chibale.

Proverb 45

Ubushiku insofu ifwile nelyashi liba pa nsofu

Ulo kwacitika icintu icikulu, bonse bala labilapo.
Insofu ni nama ikulu sana elyo yalishibikwa, ngayafwa bonse basosa pali ngulya mulandu.
Intungulushi sha calo makamaka ba kateka ngabafwa, onse umuntu uwamulya mu calo alaba nobulanda sana. Kanshi isho nshiku ilyashi abantu basosapo nipali kateka wabo uwafwa.

When an elephant dies, everybody talks about the elephant

When something important happens, everyone talks about it.
An elephant is a well-known and large animal. When such an animal dies, everyone talks about it.
The loss of a country’s leader, especially the president, is felt by everyone in that country. During that period, that great leader is the main topic of discussion.

Proverb 46

Mwe baice, imiti ili pamo eikwesana

Mu bwaice ilingi kulaba ukupusana.
Imiti imenena mupepi pamo, yalikukwesana.
Ilyo abaice bakokulila pamo, balapusana sana pantu emikulile yabo tapali uwakusula ifyo mubyakwe asosa. Inshita inini nakambi batampa kwangalila pamo.

Youngsters, trees close together rub against each other

When children grow up together, they sometimes disagree.
When trees grow close to each other, they will often rub against each other.
It is normal for children during their growing-up to disagree and to ignore what the other one says. Soon after, they begin playing together again.

A similar proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 801):
Mwe banice, imiti ili pamo e ilwenkokomena ∵ Youngsters, trees that are together are the ones that fight rubbing one against the other.
Youngsters together are like trees touching one another, they continually ‘rub one another the wrong way’.

Proverb 47

Munshenda alifyele mwana kaenda

Umuntu tekuti eshibepo ifyakucita icintu cimo nomba tacilolelemo kwebati angafilwa ukubomba na fimbi.
Ngata twishibe intulo yabo, tatulingile ukubapingula mu nshila bekalilamo. Napo mungalabila ifyo mwana uwo banyina balema no kwenda tabenda? Nani angeshiba pambi akabe shing’anga angula Kateka!

The cripple gave birth to a child who could walk

A person may not be capable of doing one thing, but that does not mean they are incapable of doing other things!
If we don’t understand people’s backgrounds, we shouldn’t judge them for how they live. Can you predict the future condition of a child whose mother is a cripple and never walks? Who knows, he might be a doctor or a president!

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 755), with a different explanation:
Munshenda walifyele umwana, kaenda ∵ Mr. I-don’t-travel bore a son, and he (the son) travelled.
Said to anyone who refuses hospitality to strangers by saying: ‘I don’t travel, so why should I give to you? Since I can never get return from you!’.

Proverb 48

Mu bantu abengi balakoselamo

Mu bwinji nga mukoumfwana incito ilanaka.
Umuntu nga imaka inanda, icishalako kufimba. Ala pekanyapo utwa musunga utwa kufimbila. No bushiku bwakufimba abantu abenji balesako mukwafwa mu kashita akanini ne nanda ninshi yapwa ukufimba.
Na mubulimi cimo ceka abantu balesako mukulima icakwebati pakashita akanini impanga balimapo ikulu sana.

Many together make strong

Many hands make light work. When many people cooperate effectively, work becomes easier.
After a person has built a house, the remaining task is roofing. Some beer is prepared for this work. On the day of roofing, many people come to help, and in no time the house is completely roofed. The same applies to cooperation in farming, where people go to hoe, and within a short time, a large piece of land is hoed.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 780):
Mu bantu abenji balakoselamo ∵ In the midst of many people one becomes strong.
Union is strength.

Proverb 49

Taipaya wamina mate

Nangu kangaba kanono teti ufwe ku nsala.
Kulaba inshita shimo ilyo ubwikashi bushupa sana icakuti mwafilwa kusanga icakulya imiku ibili akasuba kamo. Ku ceshuko aba luse kuti bamupako tunono uto mwingalalya panono ukucila ukulala insala.

Hunger does not kill who has swallowed saliva

In times of hunger, something is better than nothing.
There are times when a better living is not within reach, and you cannot find food for a day. If someone gives you a little, you will make that supply last to at least have something for each meal instead of going without anything.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 1063):
Taipaya wamina mate ∵ (Hunger) does not kill one who has swallowed saliva.
The one who has swallowed saliva has evidently had a little to eat, so he will not hurt. A little goes a long way.

Proverb 50

Ukuli uwobe, takwitika muto

Ukuba ne fibusa ifiweme.
Umuto tekuti witike calola ukwebati: tapali icingalubana.
Umunobe mumfwana nankwe kuti akucinkulako kufyo abantu ababi bakokupingila pakuti waikala uwailuka.

Where you have a close friend or relative, soup can never be spilt

It is important to have faithful friends.
‘Soup can never be spilt’ means nothing can go wrong.
When your friend hears of a threat from your enemies, she or he will notify you so that you are aware.

A comparable proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 1181):
Ukuli abakulu ta kwitika muto ∵ Where there are grown-ups, the soup does not get spilt.
If adults are present, the children’s quarrels do not go far.

Proverb 51

Amenshi akonko mufolo

Tekweshapo ukupatikisha ifintu ifitangalulwa.
Cacine amenshi tekutipo aninike umulundu, ku konka ukuli umufolo pantu kwasulama. Pa lupwa kati pacitika umulandu, niba lupwa ebabalilapo ukwishiba nokubona ukwingafuma ubwafwilisho. Mwana mwalalume nga aimisha ifumo ku mwanansungu, ba lupwa ebeshiba pakuti bafwilishe ngulya mwana. Abena buko uloba mwita, ulupwa eluyako mukumfwa ubupingushi. Ngakulipila indalama, balupwa ebasonka pakuti bakumaninshe nokulipila. Ndi lyashi likonka ba lupwa epela, efili na menshi ukukonka umufolo.
Ecimo cenka ukulabilati ukushita ifipe ukulingana ne ndalama mukwete.

Water follows the furrow

Do not force things in trying to evade the inevitable.
Water cannot go just anywhere; for instance, upwards. It only follows where there is a furrow. In a family, when there is an issue, family members should be aware of it and look for possible solutions. If a young boy impregnates a girl, family members must be informed. When the girl’s family summons them, nearby family members gather to hear the fine imposed. They will then contribute towards it. This issue is shared among the family, so goes the saying: water follows the furrow.
The proverb can also be used to express that you must buy goods worth the amount you have.

Proverb 52

Umwaice tashimbula kabondo kansha, kani akashimbula alakalyapo

Ngu mwana asokolola icishinka.
Tekutipo ese ukulabila ifitapo.
Ambi amalyashi alinga ukwambaulwapo na bakulu, pantu bo bakusunga inkama. Mu malyashi amusango ngu, teku patawila naba myaka ipusene.

When a child mentions a duiker’s leg, it implies they eat it frequently

Children recount what they have actually seen.
A child cannot simply invent something from thin air.
Certain topics are for adult discussion only and should be kept confidential. Avoid discussing such matters with people of mixed ages.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 1401):
Umwanice tashimbula kabondo kansha, kani akashimbula, alakalya-po ∵ A youngster doesn’t mention the foot of a duiker: if he mentions it, he eats it.
A child is guileless. It is no good denying, you have incriminated yourself by dropping out the word, and then retracting it. There is some reason for your having said it.

Proverb 53¹Photo 171.

Akeshibilo ka kuloke mfula makumbi ili abako

Kufyo mwabona, eko mwakwishibila. Icintu conse caliba necishibilo cakwebati cikocitika.
Icimuti umukunyu ulatwala amaluba ninshi bonse bakoshibila ati imfula ili mupepi.
Namu mainsa mwine, kumulu akutapo makumbi ninshi imfula takupo.

The sign that rain is coming is the gathering of clouds

From what you see, you will know what comes thereafter. Everything has symptoms or signs that something is going to take place.
When the mukuyu tree starts flowering, everyone knows that the rainy season is nearby.
Also, during the rainy season, if in the sky there are no clouds in the sky, it means there will not be rain.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 77):
Akeshibilo ka kuloke mfula makumbi ili abako ∵ A sign of rain is the gathering of the clouds.

Proverb 54

Munyena pa citenge tabula kubweleshapo

Umuntu uwabelela ukucita icintu cimo cine alabwekeshapo.
Umuntu ngani kabwalala calishupa ukuleka pantu umwine encito asanga inakile ukucila iyakupibe libe. Nga bulimi bufwaya ukubombesha sana pakuti ifyakulya fisanguke! Kuli ukulima, ukubyala, ukusekwila nokusombola.

He who excretes on clothes will not fail to do it again

People who do bad things will keep doing them.
For thieves, it is very difficult to stop, as they find it easier than doing something that would make them sweat, like in farming, which requires hard work until you have crops: ploughing, planting, weeding, and harvesting.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 758), with a different explanation:
Munyena pa citenge tabula kubweleshapo ∵ He who excretes at the meeting-place does not fail to do it again.
A youngster so misbehaving, repeats it and so is detected.

Proverb 55

Imputi isula, taibula kubwekeshapo

Ukukwata imisango imo imo iibi, ilingi line kulaba ukubwekeshapo.
We muntu ngawalitemwa nokwishibikwa ukuti uleba ifipe fyabene, nelintu ifipe fimo fikaluba, tabakatwishike abebile, bakebafye ati iyo lindileni tukamwishiba uwiba, mpaka naiwe pantu efyo ucita basuka bakusanga ukoiba pantu bakaipekanya abene bafipe.

The anus that emits gas will do it again

Once you are accustomed to doing something, usually something bad, people will know you for that and will always assume you were the one who did it.
Imagine you love stealing and you are known for that. Now, when something is missing, people will not hesitate to assume who stole it! They might set up a trap that you will not know about until you are caught red-handed.

Proverb 56

Amenso tayalya

Ukucita ekufwaikwa. Ukulolesha fye teti kusende ifili fyonse.
Ulo waya mukutandala ku mashitolo, twilako fye mukubona ifipe nokutampa ukupekanya ifyakuya mukufishita ulo twakukwata indalama. Nomba muli nji nshila, tatwakalyepo mfi fipe; kubonako cabe.

Eyes do not eat

Action is needed. Looking at something alone does not fill your belly.
When we go window shopping, we merely see goods and plan to buy them when financially able. However, by merely looking, you will not be able to eat the goods; you are only observing them.

Proverb 57

Mwalombela mwishamo, fyashila kale

Nga tenshita yobe, teti upelwe.
Ilyo twapelebela muli fimo twebe ati, tatukwete umucele. Elo pancende twikala pali bamo abo twashimpamo amano ukuti bena bangatwafwa. Ifyo ukolanguluka efyo nabambi bakolanguluka ukuteshibati eko nabo baciya mukufwayako umucele.
Ulo wafika ukulomba, kuti baebati mwaendela mwishamo ulipwile.

You have begged in misfortune: everything is already gone

If it is not your day, you cannot be assisted.
When you run short of certain essentials, such as salt, you may think of a person you always believe can help. Not knowing that what you are planning is what others had planned also, to beg some salt, you go there to ask. Now, that person will only say you have come at the wrong time because all that they had is finished.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 786):
Mwalombela mwishamo, fyashila kale ∵ You have begged in misfortune, they are finished already.
You have come just too late.

Proverb 58

Ukulu wolwele umunobe, eko bakupantilako

Tulokubala katu tontonkanya bwino ulo tatulacita icintu! Twilokusaikwapo, tulokulanguluka nefya kunuma.
Umuntu nga afunika ukulu, we munankwe kulaba ukumfwa ubulanda elyo waya mukumutensha, ukualacina kulya kulu mpaka apola.
Ku ceshamo ngawa mulufyanyako panono waisa sanga akupantila nakukulu walikumucina.
Abo twafwilisha pakubala, panuma ebesa mukutulufyanya.

The friend’s leg you nursed may be the one kicking you in the end

Before acting, we must think more and reflect on the past, rather than being in a hurry.
People we help or support may turn against us at a later time.
For instance, when a friend is hurt or has a fractured leg, you, as a friend, feel sad and nurse their leg until it heals. However, some time later, you might hurt them with your words, and they could then kick you using the very leg you nursed back to health.

Proverb 59

Akana kankoko ukupala ni nyina akalanga

Pamo nga bafyashi, twaliba no mulimo wa kukushishamo abana besu ukukula mu mutende, pakwebati twipelwa filubo kufuma kuli bambi.
Twalinga ukutotelwa munshila twakushishamo abana besu.

The chick scratches itself as its mother has shown

As parents, we have a duty to raise our children to lead a normal life, so they won’t be blamed by others.
We deserve praise for the way we raise our children.

Proverb 60

Tafilya wenda

Ambi amashuko esa fye ukwabula ukuyenekela. Ako walya ni ako kene.
Ilyo tuli palwendo, kwaliba inshita tusanga abantu bakolya mu mishi tupita. Ngabatwita ukuya lya nabo, ninshi nifilya fine, lishuko lyesu. Tatusubila ukuti batunaile nabumbi pantu tuli mulupita.

When on a journey, do not expect to eat full meals

Some chances come unexpectedly. Accept and be thankful for what is given to you.
There are times when we are on a journey, and, by chance, we find people eating in one of the villages we pass through who invite us to join them. It is our good fortune, and we should not expect them to cook more food for us, as we are only passing through.

Proverb 61

Tafilya ulima

Upekanya umo elyo nabambi baponenamo. Nomba, twilalubako kubatasha.
Ngani mu bulimi, umo alima nokusanga ati abesa mukulyako bengi. Eico ecintu tulingile ukwibukisha. Ukulolesha ku lubali lumbi, tekuti alime ifyakwe eka kati alafwaya ukukwata abana, bafyashi abakote, ifibusa naba lwendo bambi.

Farmers do not eat everything they cultivate

Only a few people take care of the food while the rest benefit from it. Therefore, we should not forget to thank them.
In farming, one person does the ploughing, but many people help in the consuming, and we must remember this. From another perspective, you cannot cultivate solely for yourself if you wish to have children and care for elderly parents, friends, and other visitors.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 1058), with a different explanation:
Tafidya ulima ∵ He does not eat who cultivates.
He alone does not eat. If you have food you must expect visitors to help you eat it.

Proverb 62

Umulilo ucingilile abakulu taoca

Ukukonka amafunde ciweme sana.
Abakulu balikala muno calo nokubona ificitika, kanshi kuti bapandako amano abaice pakutu nabo baikala aba mutende.

A fire surrounded by the elders will not burn you

Taking advice from more experienced people is essential.
Elders have lived in the world for quite some time and thus have vast experience to advise the young on how to lead a good life.

Proverb 63

Mwe baice, ni kafyalweni te kapalaneni!

Mukufyalwa tekutipo ati mwakupalana.
Nangu ni mulupwa lumo lwine, abana bafyalwa balikwatapo icibapusanyana ku mu nankwe.

Youngsters, it is being born in the same family, not resembling one another!

Being born into the same family does not mean that you will resemble one another!
It is normal for the children in the same family to have different features.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 802):
Mwe banice, ni kafyalweni te kapalaneni ∵ Youngsters, it is ‘be born’, it is not ‘resemble one another.’
Children of the same family may be markedly different in feature.

Proverb 64

Akafumbe kunona katampile mwabo kunona

Ifyo abakulu baboneka mu misango itampila ku bwaice bobe.
Akafumbe ka beba akanona sana, noku kunona kwatampile ku bwaice bwakako.
Na fwe bantu imisango yesu ngacakuti abafyashi besu balitukushishe bwino itampila ku bunya nwesu, emo twakulila.

The little mouse started to get fat from an early age

Adult behaviour can be traced back to childhood.
The kafumbe is a small mouse that is very fatty and therefore tastes good. It begins to accumulate this fatness from infancy.
It is similar for us as human beings regarding our behaviour. If our parents cared for us well from childhood, we grow up to have good behaviour.

A comparable proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 400), with a different explanation:
Imfumbe iyanonene yalibangile/ tatikileko AND Bamwansakala abaebele ati takanona pantangile tabanonene ∵ The Fumbe mouse that got fat started at the creation/ made a beginning AND The Mwansakala mouse who said, ‘I shall get fat later’ did not get fat.
Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Proverb 65

Apalwila insofu cani cicula

Lyonse ulo utalacita icili conse, ishibila limo ifyo cikaleta. Eco wishibe.
Umufyashi cakolwa alaisekesha umwine ukulaba ku bana ati nabo balakabila ukucingilwa kufuma kuli bena.
Iciposepose ca ndalama tacawama cilenga indupwa ukwikala nshiku ishingi ukwabula icakulya, ulo indalama epo shali. Twalinga ukulangulukila ulupwa kufya kuntanshi.

Where elephants fight, the grass suffers

Before you do anything, consider the consequences. This is essential.
Drunkard parents satisfy themselves, forgetting that their children need their protection.
Careless spending is ill-advised, as it may lead to the family going without food, even when money was available. We must think about our family’s future.

Proverb 66

Kwapa tacila kubeya

Umuli monse mungaba, palaba umo uwakukwata maka ayenji kupitila mufyo aishibisha nokongola banankwe. Aba bambi bashala bena kukonka ifyo alabila.
Ibumba lya mupila wakumakasa lili mu cibansa, kalisha wa pintu ewupingula fyonse, teba kateya iyoo.
Kuli abo intungulushi, ebali namaka akutungulula nokupingula icikofwaikwa.

The armpit is not above the shoulder

In every situation, there is someone with more authority based on experience and influence, and the others should follow their advice.
When a football team takes to the field of play, the referee is in charge, not the players.
For those who are leaders, it is their duty to instruct and make decisions for the benefit of all. They are not of a different order than the others.

Proverb 67

Amenso tepaya

Itontonkanyo takuli ekucita.
Ba cibinda mumpanga ebakwata ukulanguluka mfi. Cibinda nga aya mumpanga afwaya ukwipaya inama sha kutobela. Ilabako nshita imbi ulo asanga inama ishingi mwi lungi shikolya angula shili minine! Apa epo atonntonkanya ati amenso ngeyali kwipaya inama lelo shonse nshi, nga munani wanji. Inama nasho sheba ati nga menso yepaya fwense ngatwalipwa ukufwa.

Eyes don’t kill

Wishes are not actions.
Hunters in the forests always have this wish: if only their eyes could kill. When a hunter goes out hunting, his mission is to kill animals. At one time, he finds many animals in the plains eating grass or just standing! He then thinks: “If eyes could kill, I could have killed all these animals for my relish today!” Perhaps animals have a feeling as well: “If eyes were killers, we all would have been killed and none of us could have lived.”

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 105):
Amenso tepaya ∵ Eyes don’t kill.
Said by one who has seen a herd of buck make off. If eyes killed, I should have had plenty of meat today. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

Proverb 68

Uumfwa uko impundu shikopona, untu ali mu mupundu

Kati niwe fikumine ifintu niwe waba na matontonkanyo apusene nabo fitakumine. Ukulanguluka kobe ekukwete ubuleme sana.
Icililo ngacapona, abomfwa ubulanda sana bantu bafwilwa ukucila abantu lukoso. Nangu umuntu alya impilipili, uumfwa sana ukubaba ningu asa kulya, tebaibelele iyoo.

Only the one under the mupundu tree knows how many fruits have fallen

When you are closely connected to something, you feel differently about it than those less connected. In such cases, your opinion should carry more weight.
When a funeral occurs, family members feel more sadness than outsiders. Similarly, hot chilli is only truly felt by the one who eats it.

Proverb 69

Kumushi ukutontwele balomfwila ku twaice ukusala

Ifi pela ifishibilo filenga ukwishiba ifikocitika. Cili kuli mwe ukufitwala mu cine.
Imicitile yabaice ikonkana nefyo bekele uko kuncende. Tekuti basalepo ne nyimbo ngakuli icililo.

Hearing children playing reveals that the village is at peace

Signs let you know what is going on. It is up to you to interpret them correctly.
Children’s actions are related to what happens in their environment; they won’t play around with play songs when there is a funeral.

A similar proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 600) with a different explanation:
Ku mushi ukutontwele ba lomfwila ku twanice ∵ Where there is good news at a village, one hears from the little children.
Native children are the newsmongers; they know the particulars of every law-case, accusation, or good fortune; and anyone, coming home after a time of absence, would be advised to go first to where the children play, and find out if there is any trouble ahead for him. or whether ail is clear sailing. Should there be trouble, it would be better for him to go away, without entering the village.

Proverb 70

Ikumbi limo talisusha nika

Ukufikila apakulu limo lyeka lyacepa. Ulingile ukwimaka ifintu ukukonka ulutampulo panono panono.
Kati ukofwaya ukufuma muli bushibulimi bunono ukuya kuli bushibulimi ubukulu ulingile kukwata apa kulima apakulu.
Cimo ceka nga uko ambisha mwanakashi ukuba mu cupo, umuku wakubalilapo ubwasuko angula tekutipo bukuwamine pakuti naye angula ‘akofwaya kubona kati ukofwaisha’. Walinga ukumfwana naye ifya kukumana naye mpaka ukacimfye..

One rainy cloud will not fill up the river

To reach a larger goal, a single effort is not enough; you need to build things up step by step.
When you want to switch from small-scale farming to commercial farming, you need to do more than just cultivate a bigger portion.
The same applies when you are proposing to a woman for marriage. The first time, the response might not be favourable, as she may be ‘working’ on you as well to determine your seriousness. You have to arrange for another meeting until you succeed.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 382) with a different explanation:

Ikumbi limo talisusha nika ∵ One cloud doesn’t fill a river.
One helping of food is not enough.

Proverb 71

Umukulu tapusa kebo, apusa kabwe

Ulo mukofwailisha amaka ayo muntu akwata, kwateni mu mano imyaka ne mibele yangulya muntu.
Umuntu ilyo afyalwa, alapita nangu alabona ifintu ifingi. Kanshi ndu ulo akososa, fyakacine pantu alifibwene. Ifyo angapusa nimfi ifyakuposa kati mabwe, pantu limbi takwatapo amalunga.
Mu citemi mwaliba imisango yakwanshilamo ifiti iyo yatampile akale sana. Kwaliba kulakula ne myunda. Muli nji misango amale alabamo sana, kanshi ukufika nalelo bacili bakoibomfya.

An elderly person is good with words but less good at throwing stones

When assessing a person’s abilities, bear in mind their age and other qualities.
People experience many things throughout their lives. When an elderly person narrates, accept their account as true because they witnessed it. However, they may not be good at tasks requiring the physical prowess of younger individuals.
In our agriculture, there are several ways of laying cut branches, such as in narrow stretches and in circles. This practice originated long ago, and through these methods, the yield of finger millet has consistently been high. These methods are still in use, as recounted by elders.

Proverb 72

Ukuboko bapota kwakosa

Ukumfwana kuweme ngamwapusana.
Ilingi line mu buntu bwesu mu mikalile tamubula ukupusana. Nomba ici tecingalenga ukuti mwi ikala panshi nokwesha ukubona apo mwapusanine. Nga niwe uli mu cilubo, calinga wasumina nokulomba ubwelelo ku nobe ukucila ukutalika pantu ififuma umu kuti fyabipila umo.

They twist your arm only if you resist

We must settle disputes peacefully when we differ.
It is normal for people living in one community to differ over certain issues from time to time. This doesn’t mean the end of everything! You must sit down and see where one went wrong. If you were wrong, it is better to accept this and ask for forgiveness than to keep on resisting.

A comparable proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 1216):
Ukuboko balapota ukumine ∵ The arm one twists when dry.
Don’t use force unless resistance is offered. If he admits his guilt, give him time to redeem himself; but if he is stubborn in refusing, then use force.

Proverb 73

Niba cumbu munshololwa

Umuntu ushifwaya ukumuloshako pakuti acite iciweme.
Ukupandashanya amano umo twikele cintu ici weme sana. Nomba bambi tabafwayapo kanofye icili ku mano akwe epela, nomba ulo asangwa mu bwafya elo ailuka ati kanshi nganasa kukonka ifyo basa kumbulako.

He’s like a sweet potato: he can not be bent

This is said of a person who will not listen to advice.
Where we live, sharing ideas is regarded as part of being grown-up. Still, there are people who do not want to receive any advice from friends. Now, when in trouble, that is the time they have to think of what they failed to accept: the advice of family and friends.

Proverb 74

Umwana ashenda atota banyina ukunaya

Ukutasha fye ifintu umona pa ncende waikala tacawama.
Ukutandalila incende ishalekana lekana kulapela amano enji nokwishiba ifintu ifingi. Ificitwa pa ncende waikala ukebati efyapelako kanshi eko bali nabambi abaishibisha ukucila ifyo ubona.

Thise who never visit other places praise their mother as the best cook

To praise what you only see in your immediate surroundings as the best is naive.
Visiting different places will broaden your knowledge and experience. Concluding that what happens around you is the best shows a lack of experience; there are many others who know better.

Proverb 75

Tandafube munshipepa nswa, inswa shine shilileta imilongo

Nji nsoselo ibomfiwa nambo bonse abapalwa.
Icilangililo: Bashing’anga wa miti balikwata ubupe bwakuposha amalwele; nokulipilwapo nga fyabomba. Abalwele ebafwaishisha bashing’anga, eco belako muku poshiwa. Muli nci, bashing’anga tabendapo, kuku lekelesha ebapokelelapo ne cilambu.

The spider doesn’t need to hunt the flying ants; they line up for it

This proverb is used by and for people gifted with talents.
For example, herbalists have the gift to cure certain diseases. They are paid when the cure works. Sick people are always in need of these herbalists, and they seek them out for healing. As a result, the herbalist doesn’t have to go out, and the end result is very rewarding.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 1076):
Tandakube mumipepa-nswa, inswa shine shi li leta imilongo ∵ The spider who does not collect flying ants, the flying ants themselves bring themselves in long lines.
The flying termites, coming out of the ground in swarms, hurry themselves into the spiders’ webs. The Tandakube, a very large spider, spins a very strong web from tree to tree in the bush.

Proverb 76²Photo 161.

Umunwe umo tautola nda

Ukuba wekafye tapapo ico wingacita. Incito mu bwinji taikosapo pantu muli benji.
Umuntu kuti apwa ukwimaka icimbusu nokubangila akamutenge panshi elo kwashala ukukabika pamulu. Iyi ncito tekuicitapo weka kano nabambi bakwafwako uku kemya pa kubika pa mulu.
Ne mililmo iba pa cililo, bengi baya mukwimbe manda, napakutwala mbokoshi napo pene ukuba ukwafwana ukupinta.

One finger cannot pick lice

Alone, you cannot succeed. It is easier to do work when there are many.
A person can easily construct a toilet building and prepare the roof on the ground. However, lifting it onto the toilet building then remains the task. This requires many people to help.
Another example is that of a funeral. Many people go to dig the grave and help in carrying the corpse. Alone, this would be impossible.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 1356):
Umunwe umo tautola nda ∵ One finger does not pick up a louse.
It takes two people to carry out a job satisfactorily.

The proverb also occurs in the Bisa region east of the Lala region, see Marks (2020, 47):
Munwe umo tausala nda ∵ One finger will not pinch a louse. He adds: The proverb summarily emphasizes the importance of human integration as a group, rather than individually, to accomplish goals. The proverb can also be read variously as “A person never stands alone,” “One person never knows everything,” or “A single person alone is incapable of doing anything.’

Proverb 77

Uuli ukufwa, tomfwapo

Ube uwakumfwikisha, pantu limbi niwe wemwine ukasangwa necilubo.
Ngacakuti inama taitampile kubutuka penkapo aya umfwa uko imbwa ishilungi uko shikoisa ikepaiwa.
Tawakokolapo mu bwikashi, eico umfwila sana ifyo bakokusopesha namaka abakokola mubwikashi nokupitamo pantu ukasangwa mumpela umubi. Aba bantu abako kusopesha pafyo babona kunuma nku.

The one who is going to die, does not hear

Be attentive, or you will only have yourself to blame.
If an animal does not run as soon as it hears the hunting dogs, it will be killed.
If you lack experience in life, take warnings from experienced people seriously, or you may find yourself in a bad situation. These people are warning you based on their past experiences..

Proverb 78

Icifinya cumfwo mwine

Nga uli mu bwafya ubukulu, abantu bambi abaibelele balafwaya ukuti ulabeko.
Kwaliba abang’o abakuti bena ngabainjila munanda mukwiba, basenda tonse utupe ukubikapo notwakufimbana. Ulo we mwine waisa kusanga ificitikwe, umutima ulakalipa sana, icakwebati kufwaya noku ikulika! Nomba balya abesa mukuku nasha ati: iyo wisakamana, efyo caba, natumbipo, tabeshiba ndalama waposele pali fyo fibilwe. We mwine nacikukalipa sana pantu niwe cacitikila.

The pain is felt by the one affected

When you find yourself in big trouble, outsiders do not feel the same way and often wish you would forget about it!
Imagine that thieves swept your house, taking all your belongings, including bedding, leaving absolutely nothing. When you discover this, you become so enraged that you even consider committing suicide. Now, those who come to comfort you will say: “Don’t worry, that’s how it is, it happened”, and so forth. They don’t realise how much effort it took for you to gather the money to buy those items. You alone are the one feeling the impact of this theft.

Proverb 79

Ubu bwalwa masamba mbata

Tawalinga ukuilanga ifyo ulusa. Bushiku bumo tawaka kwatishe, ukabwelela kubwalwa bwa cipa ubo bambi banwa.
Ubwalwa bwisa mu misango iingi no mutengo uwapusana. Mbo bwacipa bwitwa ati ‘bwalwa bwa masamba mbata’. Na bantu abenji ebo banwa.

This is beer for ducks to swim in

Don’t brag about your spending. One day you might have less, and you may have to resort to the cheap stuff others use.
Beer comes in different varieties and with different prices. Regular, cheap beer is called ‘beer for ducks to swim in’. Most people drink that beer.

Proverb 80

Umweo wa muntu walala mu matwi

Abapitamo mu mafya ebo twalinga ukumfwako ngaba sambishi.
Ku mufyashi, ukusunga mwana aba nokukutika kufyo bambi balabila imisungile iweme ukuba uwabumi.
Ulo wakula walinga ukukonka ifyo bakupandako kubapitamo mumafya.
Balishiba ifikonkapo kati taukonkapo amafunde.

The ears hold the key to people’s lives

The ability to listen and understand keeps a person alive.
Experienced people are the best teachers.
For a mother, taking care of her child means listening to what others say about how to keep the child safe and healthy.
And when you’re an adult, you should heed the advice of experienced people. They know what ultimately happens if you don’t follow the rules.

Proverb 81

Akanwa ka mwefu takabepa

Ukukokola pano calo kulenga umuntu ukubona ifintu ifingi ifyapusana pusana, ifibi ne fiweme.
Ulo umuntu akokula, kumubili wakwe kulamena imyefu iyiisa apapita imyaka iyingi. Kanshi mukukula kwakwe, alabona ifintu ifipusene pusene, kanshi ici ciba masambililo nokwishiba ifyo ifi fintu fileta kutanshi! Nolo akasosa ku bana kukula, aleshiba icikatumbukamo pakuti baishibila limo. Umwana kuti bakomukanya ukulungana naba lalume nangu abanansungu pantu icifuma muu lifumo.

A mouth with a moustache will never tell lies

Older people are often wiser. Having lived many years has exposed them to a wide range of experiences, both good and bad.
As a person matures, hair begins to grow after a considerable period. During this stage of life, they witness many events that serve as lessons, helping them understand what lies ahead. When they recount these experiences to children, they already know the consequences. For instance, a child might be advised against being too promiscuous, as pregnancy can follow.

Proverb 82

Ngoma likafya mushi

Imibele ilanga ukumfwana ukwakosa pakati ka bantu yaliwamisha.
Kulafwaikwa ingoma pakwimba nokushana. Ilingi balisha ingoma ulo abantu balongana pamo. Ninshita yaku sansamuka ulo ileta abena mushi pamo ukusamwa.
Ngoma shibomfiwa ku fintu fyonse umushi angula kwikatana ifi sunga nokwikatana pamo.

Drums bring the village to life

Things that demonstrate energetic collaboration between people are important.
You need drums for complete music and for dancing. Drums are often played when people gather together. These are joyous moments that bring the village to life.
‘Drums’ here refers to everything a village or cooperative does to keep things alive and together.

Proverb 83

Akabangile takanwene nkundwa

Ukubangila kuti wasanga ifiweme.
Kwalibako inshita shimo shimo ilyo amenshi yamu nika akama. Kanshi mu ncende musangwa amenshi kuba ukukumaninapo ne nama. Eico abantunse balabangila lintu takalatula sana ukuya tapapo amenshi ilyo ubwinanama tabulayapo.
Namu kusambala, ababalilapo eba pinta ifiweme, mwebalekelesha mwapintapo ifitaweme.

The early one never drank dirty water

Being the first gets you the best.
At times, in certain areas, water becomes very scarce in the rivers. So, wherever there is water, even animals come to drink. People then will go there before the animal kingdom does.
Also in business, those who visit the shops first often get the best.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 66):
Akabangile ta ka nwa nkundwa ∵ The little one that goes ahead won’t drink muddy water.
First come first served. They who are late come to drink when the mud is stirred up. In the Lenje region: Uwa katanguna tonwa matipa: he who goes first does not drink mud.

Proverb 84

Ulubilo lwa mwipi kubangila

Ngatawakwatisha amaka akwenda, calinga wabangilako ukucila ukutampila pamo nabanobe. Ukucita ico caishibikwa icalinga tacinga citwa ku muntu onse.
Ukwenda kwalipusana pa bantu abepi naba tali. We mwipi walinga ukubangilako ulwendo pantu ungesa kushalila inuma.

The speed of short people is that they start off earlier

You must make do with the faculties you have, not with those that people in general possess.
What is generally regarded as favourable might not apply to a particular person.
Walking differs according to people’s heights. When you are short, it is better to start earlier because you have shorter strides.

Proverb 85

Umwana kasembe, kakukoma wabwela wakobeka

Fimbi ifintu fyalikatana sana, tekuti mufilekanyepo iyoo.
Akasembe no mwana fintu fyalingana mumibomfeshe. Boneni, umwana limbi alakwata ukukalifya mwe bafyashi icakuti mwe bafyashi mwafilwa ifyakucita. Apo mwana wenu ngali nemilandu, nimwe mulingile ukumwafwa nangu acaba shani.
Ecimo na kasembe ilyo wile mukutema, kanga kukoma ku lukasa, tawaebepo ati nkokaposa akasembe! Kubula bwaka kokobeka watampa nokuya ku mushi.

A child is like an axe: it may cut you, but you keep on carrying it

Some things are too important to be left out.
An axe and a child are similar in certain ways. Your own child may at times wrong you, and you wouldn’t know what to do. And when your child is in trouble, you are the one who should be responsible for bailing him or her out.
It is the same way when you go out to cut trees. The same axe may cut you, and you will not think of throwing or abandoning it; no! You will pick it up and hang it on your shoulder as you go home.

Proverb 86

Icikalilwa pa nsaka ni nshima

Fintu fyaba umo fyabela.
Insaka nincende imo umo abantu abalalume bekala nokutusha yangula ukulabilapo utwa malyashi utwa mu mushi bekala. Nakambi encende aba mu mushi abalalume naba baice balila icakulya. Abanakashi batwala inshima ku nsaka ekwakulila. Nomba ulo ico bakonkele capwa kufumamo.
Takwabapo uko abekala calo bangabomba umulimo utakwetepo ubuyo ngabakofwaya ubuyantanshi. Ukubako, benji bakakomailapo pali nji nsoselo yangula pa fintu umo fyabela. Enco pakucita icili conse kano mwabonapo ifyo cakumubombela.

Men in the resting shelter means food will be brought in

Things are as they are.
A village shelter is a place where the men of the village go to rest and discuss issues pertaining to the village. It is also a place where men and young boys eat communally. Women bring plates of food to the resting shelter. Afterwards, the men leave, having received what they needed.
The local community will only undertake new initiatives once it is clear that they will yield fruitful results. Otherwise, they will react with this proverb or with “Things are as they are.” Therefore, before embarking on a project, people should be aware of its potential benefits.

Proverb 87

Umulandu taubolapo

Imisango iibi tailabwapo, nangu apapita imyaka iyinji, bonse bakebukisha. Kanshi calinga mwaupwisha bwangu no kusulako.
Fwe bantu tuli bena kuluba umo twaikala. Ulo twapusana naba byesu twalinga twaikala panshi nokupitulukamo mu mulandu pakuti tusange inshila yakuwamyamo. Nomba nga wafyuka ukuya kumbi, umulandu wacitile ulashala uko kupembela. Elo nobushiku ukabwela cikesa kuboneka kubati pambi elo waucita.

A case does not waste away

Acts done in bad faith will never be forgotten. Though many years may pass, everyone will remember. So, it is better to sit and discuss the matter and clear it out.
As human beings, we are prone to making mistakes. When we differ with friends, we are supposed to sit down and go over the differences to see the way forward and clear it out. But if you decide to avoid that area, the case will remain fresh, waiting for you. And the day you return, it will be as though you have just committed it!

Proverb 88

Ubufi bulaya no kubwela

Ubufi bwali shupa ukufisa.
Nangu mungatontonkanyati mukaba neshuko lyakupusukilamo, ico mutenekele cikesa kumubika apaswetele kwebati nimwe mwabepele.
Ukusabankanya bufi kukesa kumwalukila ulo iciine cikesa palwalwa; nabonse mbo abamupele umucinshi, bakaleka ukumucetekela.

Lies say goodbye and then come back

Lies are difficult to conceal.
Although you may think you’ve had a lucky escape, something unexpected will eventually expose you as a fraud.
Spreading lies may backfire when the truth comes to light: all those who respected you will no longer trust you.

A comparable proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 1461):
Ubufi bulabwela ∵ Lies return.
Honesty is the best policy.

Proverb 89

Bwaca fimbi lelo

Ifintu fyonse fyalikwata akashita cila bushiku.
Ishuko ku muntu lisa lintu tenekele ukuti kuti lyabako. Ciba kwati ebushiku apelwe. Abaluse kuti baisa mupela ico akofwaisha nge ndalama shakubomfya pa nganda, pamo nge cakulya.

It is dawn; today other things may happen

Each day unfolds differently, from dawn to sunset.
Luck comes to people when they are unaware! To them, it may appear just another day. But perhaps sympathisers will come and give them some money that could be used at home to buy much-needed food.

The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 161), with a different explanation:
Bwaca fimbi lelo ∵ It has dawned differently today.
A phrase used if trouble appears when one starts the day, e. g. a mishap on the journey, or a death in the village. In the Lenje region: Bwaca bubi sunu ∵ It has dawned badly today.

Proverb 90

Umulandu mume

Mu mume no mulandu mwaliba ifyapalana.
Ngawa sangwa no mulandu, ulalambata kuli iwe kubati mume ku cani mu kacelo.
Umume ulekata kuli onse uwapitama mu cani. Munshila imo ine, uuli onse angasangwa mu mulandu.
Umulandu waba kubati mume uwikata ku molu onse mu kacelo. Ukaba naimwe muntampulo shonse ukwenda. Mu mulandu mwaba ifiteyo fingi umo ungawila.
Nomba nshita ya kasuba yalilepa ukucila akacelo: umume ukoma penkapo ukomfwako na bwino.

A case is like dew

There are similarities between dew and a case.
When you are involved in a case, it sticks to you like dew on the grass in the morning.
A case is like the dew that gets on your legs; it will cling to you with every step you make. In a case, there are so many pitfalls into which you can fall.
The dew will cling to anyone who walks through that field. In the same way, anyone can become involved in a case.
But the day is longer than a morning; the dew will disappear. You will feel better once the case is over.

Proverb 91

Mu butala emuli amano

Abantu ababona nefya kuntanshi kucila pakashita kenka nko kuti basangwa mu mafya anini.
Ukukwata ubutala cilanga amano. Twalishiba ati ifya kuntanshi tefya kwenekela. Calinga ukupekanishisha libela ukutesa kubutukila ulo nshita ilipwile.

There is wisdom in a granary

People who look beyond the present may experience fewer problems.
Having a granary is a sign of wisdom. We all know the future is uncertain. One needs to prepare in advance, rather than rushing when it is too late.

Proverb 92

Icifu ca baice, imbeba ya bakulu

Abaice nangu babombe shani, abakulu ebesa mukusekelamo mufyo abaice babombele.
Kulaba ukuya mumpanga mukwimba imbeba nabaice. Palaba imbeba ishikulu ne shinini. Ngababwelela ku mushi, abakulu balasalapo ishikulu no kulya, bashila abaice utunini.

The trap is for children, the mouse is for the elders

The fruit of the children’s hard work is often seized by one or more elders.
Children go out into the wild to dig out mice of different sizes. When the children return home, the elders pick the biggest ones, leaving the small ones for the children.

Proverb 93

Ifi fwe bantu kulya no kufwa

Ici caba kwati cibukisho kuli ifwe fwe bantu, angu cingaba ukukonkanyapo ukulya, impela yesu kufwa. Fyonse ifyo twapekenye pano isonde nangu fitapwile, fikapwa atwafwa.
Calinga ukupwishisha imilimo yenu, ukuta pelesha munshila.

The important things for us, human beings, are to eat and to die

This is a reminder to all mankind that though we will continue to eat, the end is to die. All that we have planned on earth and have not yet completed will come to an end when we die.
Finish all your work. Don’t stop halfway.

In 1908, Madan⁷recorded a version of this aphorism in the Lala region.
Fwe bantu kulya nangu kufwa, e cikulu pano pesonde.
For us, human beings, to eat or to die, that is the important thing here outside [on earth].
The use of the singular form in the second part seems to underline that eating and dying form one system.
A comparable proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 281) with a different explanation:
Icikulu pano pesonde kulya ∵ The important thing here outside is eating.
A man without food is in poor straits.

Proverb 94

Akanwa bucingo

Ifyo ukolabila efikalenga ukwishibikwa ku lubali ubelele.
Akanwa kanga kupokako angula ukukubika mu mafya. Bucingo ku filwani.

The mouth is your shield

What you say will determine your position.
The mouth can defend you or get you into trouble. It is your shield against danger.

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