Zulu Proverbs

Uhlakanipha nganhlanye njengomese ... You are sharp on one side like a knife, meaning, you are clever, but still not all that you would wish us to think you.

Isikhuni sabuya nomkwezeli ... The burning stick has returned with the firemaker stuck to the firemaker. meaning He has meddled with what did not concern him, and burnt his fingers.

Isala kutshelwa sobona ngomopo ... meaning The wrong-headed fool who refuses counsel, will come to grief.

Wakhahlelwa ihhashi esifubeni ... He was kicked by a horse in the chest. meaning Said  to one who gossips, and cannot keep a secret.

Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili ...A way forward is asked from those who are in front. If you don't the solution to a problem or need advice ask those who have been in such situations.

Hamba; uyakufika kwanqi ngetshe ... Go you will find a stone in the road that you cant get over or pass. meaning Go on, you will repent.

Umlomo, ishoba lokuziphungela ... The mouth is a tail to switch away flies with (as a cow does). meaning A man gets himself into trouble by using his tongue too freely, and himself or another will make the remark, zuluprincess meaning is: the mouth is a weapon to defend yourself.

Ikhotha eyikhothayo ... The cow licks the one that licks her. zuluprincesss meaning if you lend a hand to other people when they are in need, they shall also do so when you are in need.

Imbila yaswel umsila ngokulayezela ... The Coney lost its tail by trusting to others to bring it for it. meaning "Said to one who is always sending others to do work that he ought to do himself"

Unyawo alunamehlo ... The foot is blind, meaning we may probably meet again .

Unyawo alunampumulo... The leg has no nose, meaning you have served me a shabby trick; it may recoil upon you one day.

Ithemba kalibulali ... meaning, Hope does not kill; I shall live and get what I want one day

Iso elilodwa lixotshwa libhekile .. The solitary eye is wounded others looking, meaning, "Said on the death of an only child" the mourning for an only child , an only brother, a solitary wife.

Icala Lembula ingubo lingene ... the law suit opens the blanket and gets in, meaning, you will sooner or later find yourself in trouble because of problems that sneak in.

 Akulanga lashona lingendaba. meaning No sun sets without its histories

Sobohla Manyosi! ... the honey will end, meaning, what you have will end one day