Index | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | W | Y
play the ball, not the man
Definition: when someone has done something wrong, people should not criticize/disparage that person but criticize the act that was done
Usage: sorry sir, may you please focus on my schoolwork and not me; I feel like you are attacking me personally, so please play the ball and not the man
SEPEDI
Translation: bapala kgwele e sego motho
Proverb: a go kgalwe tšhipa e sego mmolayi wa yona
XITSONGA
Translation: tlanga bolo u nga tlangi munhu
Proverb: bana mpfundla u tshika xihlahla
TSHIVENḒA
Translation: tamba bola hu si ni munna
Proverb: kha i ponde i sie marambo