Top 20 African Proverbs and their meaning.
- Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet.
Meaning: Don’t jump into any situation without thinking about it first.
- The strength of the crocodile is in the water.
Meaning: You are stronger in your environment than anywhere else
- Knowledge is like a garden: If it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested
Meaning: You have to learn and seek for knowledge if you want to be knowledgeable.
- The best way to eat an elephant in your path is to cut him up into little pieces.
Meaning: You can solve any problem by facing it one step at a time
- When a handshake passes the elbow, it becomes another thing.
Meaning: Be Mindful when unfamiliar people become too acquainted.
- He who wants to eat out of the rock must not look at the edges of his axe.
Meaning: If you want to be successful, be prepared to make sacrifices.
- A farmer does not clear the bush and expects the grass to dry Immediately.
Meaning: Patience is essential in everything you do in life.
- The insect that eats kola nut is right inside the leaf.
Meaning: Your enemy is always closer to you than you think.
- You do not lend your knife to another person when your yam is on the fire.
Meaning: Satisfy yourself first before thinking of others.
- You cannot climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pocket.
Meaning: You have to work hard in order to be successful.
- A child, who says his mother will not sleep, will also stay awake.
Meaning: Your action and inaction will always affect you.
- Restless feet may walk into a snake pit.
Meaning: Anyone who is busy doing nothing can easily get into trouble.
- A roaring lion kills no one.
Meaning: You cannot achieve anything by just talking about it.
- He who drags a goat to the market also finds himself in the market.
Meaning: Anyone who is trying to tarnish the image of another person will also tarnish his/her image.
- Rain beats the leopard’s skin but it does not wash out the spots.
Meaning: You cannot change a person true character, no matter how hard you try.
- You do not teach the paths of the forest to an old gorilla.
Meaning: Respect and listen to your elders.
- He who is bitten by a snake fears a lizard.
Meaning: You should be very careful of any situation that has hurt you before.
- The battle of grasshoppers is a feast for the hawks.
Meaning: If you are not united, you open doors for attacks
- Do not call the forest that shelters you a jungle.
Meaning: It’s foolish to insult anyone that you depend upon for survival
- No matter how hot your anger is, it cannot cook yam.
Meaning: Anger is not always a solution.
Very knowledgeable
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