Archives: Tsumo

Translation The year a lazy person finally decides to till the land, the rains won’t come. Application Sometimes, when a person finally takes initiative after … Read more

Translation Wrongdoing consumes the wrongdoer. Application When someone commits a wrongdoing or makes a moral mistake, the guilt, shame, or consequences of that act ultimately … Read more

Translation The load becomes heaviest just as you reach the end. Application Challenges often feel most intense just before a breakthrough or completion.

Translation Fair enough — like a dark-skinned person’s bath. Application The proverb acknowledges effort or completion, while subtly suggesting that the outcome falls short of … Read more

Definitions bvupa: bone Translation It’s often the bad dog that gets the good bone. Application Sometimes, those who seem least capable are the ones who … Read more

Definitions mhashu: locust Translation It is a sick man’s locust that is roasted while clutched by the leg. Application When someone who has little gains … Read more

Definitions chura: frog Translation That a frog lives in the water does not mean it drinks. Application Just because someone is in a certain place … Read more

Definitions kugara nhaka: the practice of inheriting the wife of a deceased man, usually by his brother. Translation To inherit a wife, one must have … Read more

Definitions mhou: cow kuma: moo, as done by a cow Translation No cow moos for a calf that isn’t hers. Application People don’t usually go … Read more

Definitions homu: ideophone of barking (baboon) reva: speak Translation What has barked, has spoken. Application Even the least of advice or warnings is worth considering.