kukaa pembeni
koo-KAH-ah peh-MBEH-nee
How to say it
Swahilikukaa pembenikoo-KAH-ah peh-MBEH-neesoon
Englishto step aside; to stay out of (a matter)soon
Frenchse mettre à l’écart, se retirersoon
Meaning
To withdraw from a role or a matter and let others deal with it, or literally to sit or stand to one side.
Good to know
Built from kukaa, to stay or sit, and pembeni, at the side. In politics it means to step down for a while: kukaa pembeni kupisha uchunguzi, to step aside for an inquiry.
Examples
- Waziri aliombwa kukaa pembeni hadi uchunguzi ukamilike.The minister was asked to step aside until the inquiry is complete.
- Aliamua kukaa pembeni ili vijana waongoze.He decided to step aside so that the young people could lead.
- Si vizuri kukaa pembeni wakati jirani anahitaji msaada.It is not good to stand aside when a neighbor needs help.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.