Tsumo Dzinetsanangudzo

Maunga marema kudya muti waagere

English Explanation 

It is a sign of stupidity or thoughtlessness to destroy something that could be of great service to you tomorrow, or on which your very life depends. This proverb may be used to dissuade boys from cutting a tree in order to get its fruits which they cannot reach from the ground.

Kwadzinorohwa matumburira ndiko kwadzinomhanyira.

English Explanation 

Even though ill-treated, some people stay with those who ill- treat them. For instance, women are still willing to marry a brutal man, even though he has divorced wife after wife. Some people insist on doing things which they know are harmful to them, like smoking dagga.

Chafamba kamwe hachiteyiwi

English Explanation 

What happened only once cannot be relied upon. A first offender will normally find a lenient judge. Such a judge might well quote this proverb dismissing the case. 

Mabasa kuchonya uri murima

English Explanation

It is futile to do something for or against someone when you know that he will never realise it or that it will never affect him.

Kutumira bete kumukaka haridzoki

English Explanation

Telling a person to meet somebody he loves, or to do something which he greatly enjoys will make him forget his other duties. For example, a father sending his son on an errand to a store where the son’s girl-friend is working should foresee that the boy will not return in time.

Chivendekete anoseka chimedure

English Explanation 

Very often people are not willing to admit their faults, but they loudly criticise their fellowmen’s blunders. ‘The pot calls the kettle black’. This proverb can be quoted to teach people the wisdom of self-criticism and an understanding attitude towards the faults of others.

Zundu kugara mundove hunzi neni ndava mombewo

English Explanation

A person is out of place in company with people with whom he has nothing in common, though he may strive to appear as one of them. 

Kurava mbudzi nedzisipo kurava nedzava matoo

English Translation 

Do not rely on something of which you are not certain.

Mwana muduku kudziva musendo noruoko iwo uchazomudziva womene

English Translation 

Often people do not listen to advice cautioning them against dangers until an accident teaches them to be cautious. ‘A burnt child dreads the fire’.

Zvamangwana zvinozivikanwa nebenzi
English Explanation 

As far as possible, a wise man does things on the spot and completes them. A foolish one will pretend he can look into the future and await more favourable conditions. The proverb ironically advises against any undue postponement.