Tsumo Dzinetsanangudzo

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