అల్లుడలిగితే కూతురిని తీసుకొని పోతాడు

This expression describes a situation where someone performs an act that appears respectful or honorable on the surface (like naming a child after an elder), but the actual result or intention is harmful or disastrous. It is used when a seemingly good gesture leads to someone's suffering or when someone uses a noble excuse to commit a cruel act.

Cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.

This expression is used to describe someone who is articulate, persuasive, or assertive in their speech. It implies that a person who knows how to speak up for themselves, communicate effectively, or negotiate will always find a way to succeed or survive in any situation, regardless of other challenges.

This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and self-reliance. It means that as long as a person is willing to put in physical effort and work hard, they will never have to worry about basic necessities like food. It is used to encourage someone to be industrious rather than lazy or dependent on others.

This expression describes a situation where someone is overly anxious or desperate to please a person who is intentionally being difficult or moody. It refers to a traditional setting where a son-in-law might act offended to get attention, causing unnecessary panic for the mother-in-law who tries too hard to appease him.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a newcomer or an inferior person displaces a well-established or superior person. In children's language, 'Buva' refers to food or a loved one, while 'Chi' is a term of rejection. It signifies an unwelcome intruder taking over the place of someone important or someone who belongs.

This proverb emphasizes the permanence of spoken words. While a physical fall or slip can be recovered from, words spoken carelessly or hurtfully cannot be retracted once they are out. It is used as a caution to think carefully before speaking.

* Mieux vaut glisser du pied que de la langue. † Palabra y piedra suele no tiene vuelta.

This proverb describes someone who tries to avoid a difficult or primary responsibility by suggesting an easier or indirect task. It is used to mock people who give excuses or offer alternatives to escape the actual work assigned to them.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to avoid a difficult or primary task by opting for an easier or irrelevant chore. It signifies procrastination or dodging responsibility by being busy with something else.

This traditional proverb highlights the contrasting nature of two professions: a merchant (Komati) who gives goods on credit and must constantly chase customers for payment, versus a goldsmith (Kamsali) who takes the material or advance and makes the customer return multiple times before the work is finished. It is used to describe situations involving debt recovery or delays in service.

This proverb emphasizes the dignity and reward of labor. It means that as long as a person is willing to work hard and put in the effort, they will never have to worry about basic necessities like food. It is used to encourage industriousness and self-reliance.