Meaning
Little by little, small contributions build up to something big — one handful of earth ('dutty') at a time eventually raises a whole dam. A proverb praising patient, steady effort and the power of accumulation: don't despise small beginnings or small savings, because they add up to great things over time.
Examples
-
Save a likkle each week — one one dutty build dam.
Save a little each week — small amounts build up to a lot.
-
Wi a mek progress bit by bit; one one dutty build dam.
We're making progress bit by bit; little by little builds something big.
Origin
A traditional proverb; one handful of earth at a time builds a dam. Compare 'one one coco full basket'. See [[every-mikkle-mek-a-mokkle]].
How it’s used
Small steady contributions accumulate into something big. See [[every-mikkle-mek-a-mokkle]], [[one-one-coco-full-basket]].