proverbs

356. Ñaan gu daje ak amiin la. (6,8)
It is a prayer that encounters an amen.
An idiom expressing that things could not have turned out better. This proverb is used
when something that one had expressed a desire for happens by itself.
357. Sama jaan wàcc na. (2,9,20)
I have completed my task.
358. Sàqami nga samab lanc. (2,3,6,7)
You have chewed my mouthful.
“You have taken the words right out of my mouth.”
To say exactly what someone else was going to say or what they were thinking.
359. Suma i bët dañoo rembet. (13)
My eyes overflow.
My eyes cause me to covet (because they are full of all the good things that they see).
360. Sunuy sikkim lakkandoo nañu. (13)
Our beards were burnt together.
We are in the same embarrassing situation.
Ignorance
361. Ku xamul “buur saay na”, xam “buur dee na”. (2,3,5,6,7)
Ku xamul buur saay na, dees na ko wax buur dee na. (15,8)
He who does not understand “The king has passed away,” should be told “The
king has died.”
Someone who cannot take a hint in polite language should be told plainly what is
necessary. With some people you must call a spade a spade.
362. Ku xamul “suur naa” dangay téye ca loxo ba. (2,3,5,6)
Ku xamul suur naa, ñu téye sa loxo. (19)
You should hold back the hand of the person who does not understand, “I am full”.
When a person does not know how to limit himself, he needs to be restrained.
[In Senegal, it is a mark of politeness for a host to encourage a guest to eat, and for a guest
to limit what he eats with the excuse that he is full].
“When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife
to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” (Proverbs 23:1-2 NIV)
Illicit
363. Lu wagajaane maye du and ak njariñ. (13)
That which is obtained by illicit means will not bring any benefit.
“Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those
who get it.” (Proverbs 1:19 NIV)
47