The first thing you will notice when you engaged with an Elder from a typical Zimbabwean community is the wisdom of the Zimbabwean Proverbs. Zimbabwean Proverbs just like other African Countries Proverbs are wisdom passed on by our ancestors to us, and they have continue to be a critical part of our culture; defining how we engaged with strangers and ourselves.
Here are Top 20 Zimbabwean Proverbs and their meaning
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Top 20 Zimbabwean Proverbs and their meaning
1. Do not laugh when your neighbor’s veld is on fire.
This proverb discourages people from mocking people with misfortune, because misfortune can happen to anyone.
2. A king’s child is a servant in foreign lands
Meaning: Humility is a great virtue; no matter your position you need to be humble
3. You can not remove pregnancy by coughing
Meaning: Some problem cannot be solved by wishes only; you have to actually work hard to solve some problems
4. Water that has been spilled cannot be replaced.
Meaning: Be careful of what you say; words once spoken cannot be withdrawn.
5. You can not tell a hungry child that you gave him food yesterday.
Meaning: The past is gone, always live in the present.
6. Those who eat alone, die alone
This proverbs amplify the value of teamwork.
7. A grilled locust is better than no soup
Meaning: Always appreciate the little you have; because it better than nothing
8. A coward has no scar.
In a typical African community, a scar signify hope. And it’s only heroes that can inspire hope. A coward will always run away when the chips are down.
9. A wise mans ink lasts until only the stupid remain
This proverb amplify the need to always seek wisdom; because wisdom can get you out of trouble quickly
10. Everyone carries around his own witches
Meaning: No body is perfect, we all have our dark moment
11. An elephant’s tusks are never too heavy for it
Meaning: You have the strength to handle all your challenges if you put your mind to it.
12.Annoy your doctor and sickness comes in laughing
Meaning: If you don’t treat those that treat you with kindness well, you will be a victim of sadness.
13. Two rats cannot share the same hole
Meaning: Two wrong cannot make a right.
14. If you can walk you can dance, if you can talk you can sing
Meaning: You can do anything you set your mind to do.
15. The old man gives the best advice
Meaning: Don’t neglect those with experience, because he who walk the path clearly understand the path
16. Until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter
Meaning: Always hear from both side before concluding.
17. A ripened fruit does not cling to the vine
Meaning: When your time is right, no one can stop you
18. Gifts is the key to the female heart
This proverbs amplify the need for kindness.
19. Between true friends even water drunk together is sweet enough
This proverbs amplify the need for true friendship. in all you getting, build true relationship.
20. If God gives you leprosy, look to your own past misdeeds
Meaning: In everything you do in this life, always remember that God is watching