This is a list of popular Somali proverbs starting with I:
Idho jaceyl isma eegaan
~Eyes in love do not dare to stare at each other (lovers’ eyes are bashful)
Ilko abeeso hoos bay ka xidhiidhaan: The snake’s teeth grow from one mandible ( they are bound from below). This means: Kinsmen are bound by indissoluble ties.Ilko wadajir bay wax ku gooyaan. Teeth bite something only when they bite togheter.
Intii calooshu buki lahayd cagtu ha bukto: It is better to have an aching leg than an aching spirit ( stomach, i.e. it is better to do something despite tiredneess, than later to regret that it had not been done).
Intaadan falin ka fiirso: Think before you do something.
Ishiisa-laga-arkaa ushiisa lagu tumaa: A coward ( a man whose cowardice is betrayed by his eyes) is beaten with his own stock.
Iskaashato ma kufto: If people support each other they do not fall.