Afrikaans proverbs

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Afrikaans is a language similar to Dutch spoken in southern Africa.

  • Een swaeltjie maak nog geen somer nie.
    • English equivalent: One swallow does not make a summer.
    • "The appearance of a single sign of a favourable event is not yet a definite indication of its coming."
    • Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 49. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 
  • Die middel kan wel erger as die kwaad wees.
    • English equivalent: The remedy is often worse than the disease; Burn not your house to rid it of the mouse.
    • "Action taken to put something right is often more unpleasant or damaging than the original problem."
    • Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 232. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. 
    • Kritzinger, F. Benjamin (1991). English proverbs and expressions with Afrikaans equivalents (Reimpresa ed.). J.L. van Schaik. p. 109. ISBN 0627017312. 
  • Daar waar die tekkie die teer tref.
    • Meaning: At the point of contact or where it really matters.
    • Gerhardt Smook (2010). Geesgedrewe Heersers. 
  • Tussen die boom en die bas.
  • Skoenmaker se kinders loop kaalvoet.
    • English equivalent: Cobblers' children are worst shod.
    • "Working hard for others one may neglect one's own needs or the needs of those closest to him."
    • Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "7". European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 65. ISBN 1-875943-44-7. 

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