Archives: Tsumo

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.

Definitions tsotsonyo: ideophone of tapping tiwu: ideophone of striking a heavy blow Translation A light tap gave birth to a heavy blow. Application What starts … Read more

Definitions mwena: burrow Translation Pleasure is like a burrow; if you follow it, it will come to an end. Application Even the most delightful pleasures … Read more

Translation One misfortune does not fear another. Application Sometimes misfortunes occur one after another, leaving one helpless.