Swahili
mleli
m-LEH-lee
How to say it
Swahilimlelim-LEH-leesoon
Englishtail featherssoon
Frenchplumes de queuesoon
Meaning
the tail feathers of a bird, especially when worn as an ornament.
Good to know
the phrase toa mleli, literally to put out a tail feather, is used figuratively to mean showing signs of prosperity.
Examples
- Ndege huyo ana mleli mrefu wa rangi nzuri.That bird has a long, beautifully colored tail feather.
- Wavuvi walipamba kofia zao kwa mleli.The fishermen decorated their hats with tail feathers.
- Baada ya biashara kufanikiwa, alianza kutoa mleli.After his business succeeded, he began to show off his new prosperity.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.