Mazvokuda kufa namaronda enyora
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
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
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
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
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
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
Kusaziva mumvuri worufu
English Explanation
One is as good as dead if he does not know even the most obvious things.
Maunga marema kudya muti waagere
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
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.
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