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(Deno) Ndakaziva haitungamiri

English Explanation

Take heed of advice before it is too late. A child who is always told not to go out walking in the dark, for example, may heed the advice after a snake bite.

Usaverenga mbeva nemiswe (yadzo)

English Explanation 

In a difficult undertaking, do not reckon on those whose help would be insignificant or ineffective. To fight out a dispute with a neighbour, for instance, a mother would not rely on the help of a baby in her arms

Ndomene haichemedzi

English Explanation 

If anything goes wrong because you alone have planned and done it, you alone will have to put up with it and you won’t want to blame anyone else.

Mazvokuda kufa namaronda enyora

English Explanation 

The tragic outcome of a foolhardy act wins no sympathy. For instance, if a man is killed at a beer party which he was told not to attend, little sympathy will be expressed at his death. 

Rega kuyera nyoka negavi iyo iripo.

English Explanation 

A snake, dead or alive, is always frightening. In normal circumstances, nobody would like to touch or handle a snake for any purpose. With the Shona elders, a brave person was meant to show his bravery by measuring the length of a dead snake without using a stick or a string. The proverb implies that a man should not hesitate to state facts, even if it means to accuse a person of higher status. ‘Call a spade a spade.’ Also, do not substitute false imitations for the real thing.

Usatsvaga nhava muuswa iro sora ratsva

English Explanation 

It is useless to look for something which has been destroyed. A slightly different meaning is conveyed by the two variants. They mean rather: Do not make preparations for something which can no longer be carried out.

Rega kubvunza nyama kuti ndeyokugocha iwe muto uchiuona.

English Explanation 

It displays a person’s foolishness when he enquires about things which are self-evident at a glance. When death has occurred, no sensible and decent person will ask, ‘What is the newly-made grave for?’

Mamvura mazhinji akatunza kuba.

English Explanation 

Usually, thieves go out to steal when they expect rain. The water washes away foot-prints so that they cannot be traced. This is quoted to advise against committing a crime in the hope that favourable conditions will prevent detection. Such seemingly favourable conditions may disappear and expose the crime

Kuzengurira izwi romukuru kuramba mhangwa

English Explanation

It is unwise not to reflect, at least, on the advice given by elders. Especially in traditional Shona society, age is bound up with wisdom.

Kusaziva mumvuri worufu

English Explanation 

One is as good as dead if he does not know even the most obvious things.