Hawaiian Idiomatic Expression · Culture

Huli ka lima i lalo

Pronunciation: /HOO-lee kah LEE-mah ee LAH-loh/

Meaning

Turn the hands down. Meaning to work hard, to be industrious (as in planting).

Example sentences

  • I mea e ola 'i kākou, pono nō kākou e huli ka lima i lalo i ka mahi 'ai.

    In order for us to survive, we must work hard in farming.

  • Ua ao mai koʻu kupuna wahine iaʻu e huli ka lima i lalo, no laila ua waiwai koʻu pā hale.

    My grandmother taught me to be industrious, therefore my garden is prosperous.

  • 'O ka hana ka mea nui, no laila huli ka lima i lalo e hoʻoponopono i nā hana a pau.

    Work is important, so turn your hands down (work hard) to complete all the tasks.

About this word

“Huli ka lima i lalo” is a Hawaiian idiomatic expression meaning Turn the hands down. It is part of the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) vocabulary in the category of Culture. Definitions are based on the Pukui-Elbert Hawaiian Dictionary.

https://hawaiian-words.com/word/huli-ka-lima-i-lalo