Idioms from Around the World: A Window into Language and Culture

Idioms are expressions that carry meanings beyond their literal words. They reflect the history, humor, and mindset of a culture. Learning idioms can help you understand a language better and connect with native speakers. Here are some fascinating idioms from different parts of the world:

🌍 Idioms from South Africa (Including Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa)

**🇿🇦 Afrikaans Idioms

1. “Jy is die appel van my oog.” – “You are the apple of my eye.”

   • Meaning: Someone is very dear or special to you.

2. “Iemand se hande is vol.” – “Someone’s hands are full.”

   • Meaning: Someone is busy or has a lot to deal with.

3. “Die kat is uit die sak.” – “The cat is out of the bag.”

   • Meaning: A secret has been revealed.

4. “Dis nie die einde van die wêreld nie.” – “It’s not the end of the world.”

   • Meaning: It’s not as bad as it seems; there’s still hope.

5. “Die koeël is deur die kerk.” – “The bullet is through the church.”

   • Meaning: There’s no turning back, a decision has been made.

6. “Mense is nie almal die dieselfde nie.” – “Not everyone is the same.”

   • Meaning: People have different personalities and traits.

🇿🇦 Zulu Idioms

1. “Izinkanyezi ezinhle azilungi.” – “Good stars do not sleep.”

   • Meaning: Those who are ambitious and hardworking never rest; they keep pushing forward.

2. “Ubunzima bukhona kwabantwana.” – “There is hardship among children.”

   • Meaning: Even young ones face challenges or difficulties.

3. “Indoda ayikhali.” – “A man does not cry.”

   • Meaning: Men should not show weakness, a reflection of traditional views on masculinity.

4. “Ukuhamba phambili kuwumsebenzi.” – “To go forward is work.”

   • Meaning: Progress requires effort and hard work.

5. “Izinkanyezi zikhanya emini.” – “Stars shine in the daytime.”

   • Meaning: Extraordinary things can happen at any time, even when least expected.

6. “Izinyembezi zibhukuda.” – “Tears fall.”

   • Meaning: Expressing grief or sadness.

🇿🇦 Xhosa Idioms

1. “Ibhokhwe yenza inja.” – “A goat does the work of a dog.”

   • Meaning: Someone or something takes on an unexpected role.

2. “Umoya uthi ‘phendla’.” – “The wind says, ‘turn around’.”

   • Meaning: It’s a warning that things are changing or shifting unexpectedly.

3. “Inyoka ayithandi amanzi.” – “The snake does not like water.”

   • Meaning: There’s a situation where something or someone is out of their comfort zone.

4. “Uphosela emlilweni.” – “You throw it into the fire.”

   • Meaning: To make a tough decision or sacrifice.

5. “Uthele amanzi emlilweni.” – “You pour water on the fire.”

   • Meaning: To ease a situation or calm down a heated argument.

6. “Izinto eziyinqaba zihlala ziqhamuka.” – “Strange things always happen.”

   • Meaning: Unexpected or unusual things always happen in life.

Final Thoughts

As we see  Idioms are expressions that carry meanings beyond their literal words. They reflect the history, humor, and mindset of a culture. Also adding color and personality to a language. It also reflects cultural values and history in unique ways. Whether you’re learning a new language or traveling, knowing idioms can help you sound more natural and connect with locals.