idiom [noun]

Mkopo wa damu

Maana (Definition)

A grave debt resulting from harm or murder that traditional law dictates must be compensated or avenged.

Tafsiri ya Kiingereza (English):

blood debt / fatal obligation requiring retribution

Sheng / Standard Equivalent:

deni ya maisha / debt ya hatari

Asili na Utamaduni (Origin & Etymology): Swahili Moral Metaphor

Mfano wa Sentensi (Example Sentence):

"Ugomvi wa ukoo huo ulitokana na mkopo wa damu wa miaka ya nyuma."

Translation: The clan feud stemmed from a blood debt incurred years ago.

Maneno Yanayohusiana (Related Terms):

deni la damu Lipiza kisasi Hatia