Meaning
If you don't do a job right, you'll have to redo it.
Cultural Background
The proverb reflects the deep connection between the people and the land. Plowing is seen as a sacred duty that requires honesty. The concept of 'confession' in the church mirrors this proverb: you cannot just 'cover' your sins; you must uproot them through repentance. In cities like Addis Ababa, this is used to criticize 'cobblestone' roads that wash away in the rain due to poor construction. Parents use this to teach children that 'doing it right' is more important than 'doing it fast'.
Use it for advice
It's a very polite way to tell someone their work is subpar without being directly insulting.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep the proverb in its third-person plural form (they) even if talking to one person.
Meaning
If you don't do a job right, you'll have to redo it.
Use it for advice
It's a very polite way to tell someone their work is subpar without being directly insulting.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep the proverb in its third-person plural form (they) even if talking to one person.
Elders love it
Using this proverb with an older Ethiopian will immediately gain you 'cultural points'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
አለባብሰው ቢያርሱ በአረም _______
The correct verb is 'yimelesu' (they return).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Someone fixes a leaking pipe with tape instead of replacing it.
Using tape is a 'superficial' fix that will fail later, perfectly illustrating the proverb.
What is the literal meaning of 'አረም' (arem)?
What does 'አረም' mean?
'Arem' means weed, which represents the problem that returns.
Complete the dialogue with the proverb.
A: 'I just hid the broken glass under the sofa.' B: '_________________'
Hiding a problem instead of fixing it is the core meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesአለባብሰው ቢያርሱ በአረም _______
The correct verb is 'yimelesu' (they return).
Someone fixes a leaking pipe with tape instead of replacing it.
Using tape is a 'superficial' fix that will fail later, perfectly illustrating the proverb.
What does 'አረም' mean?
'Arem' means weed, which represents the problem that returns.
A: 'I just hid the broken glass under the sofa.' B: '_________________'
Hiding a problem instead of fixing it is the core meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is one of the most common proverbs in Ethiopia, used in offices, schools, and homes.
Yes! You can say 'አለባብሼ አርሼ ነበር' (I had plowed superficially) to admit you took a shortcut.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but the phrase 'ጥራት ያለው ስራ' (quality work) is the goal.
Related Phrases
ከስህተት መማር
similarLearning from mistakes.
ስራ ለሰሪው
builds onWork belongs to the worker (you reap what you sow).
ላዩን ብቻ
specialized formOnly the surface.
በጥራት መስራት
contrastTo work with quality.
