Xhosa Idioms & Their Meanings

Ukubeka ityala.

Literally: “To place a charge/case.”

Meaning: To lay a formal accusation or bring a grievance against someone.

Ukutshona kwelanga.

Literally: “The setting of the sun.”

Meaning: Sunset; the setting of the sun, hence the end of the day; used figuratively for the close or end of a period (and at times the end of a life).

Ukukhupha imali.

Literally: “To take out money.”

Meaning: To pay out or spend money; to part with cash. Common neutral expression for paying; the 'reluctance' nuance is contextual, not inherent.

Ukuhamba ngeenyawo.

Literally: “To go on foot.”

Meaning: To travel on foot; to walk rather than ride. A literal expression; it does not carry an established figurative 'the hard, unaided way' meaning.

Intliziyo ebuhlungu.

Literally: “A painful/sore heart.”

Meaning: Grief, sorrow or heartache.

Ukubona ngeliso lengqondo.

Literally: “To see with the eye of the mind.”

Meaning: To imagine, foresee or understand something through insight.

Ukubamba umoya.

Literally: “To hold/catch the breath (or air).”

Meaning: To hold one's breath; figuratively, to wait in tense anticipation or suspense. Note the literal breath-holding sense is primary.