African Proverbs

One of my projects at this blog will be collecting African proverbs, and I also have a slideshow going too. You can see a full-screen view of the slideshow, or an embedded version below:

I've pasted in below the text of all the proverbs you will find in the show; each slide has links for additional information, plus you can click on the proverb listed below to find out more (updated October 11):

1. A basket that falls into the river will not return.
2. A bird in one's hand is worth two in the woods.
3. A bird's foot never fails to grasp the branch.
4. A tree without roots will not stand.
5. Don't curse the crocodile until after you've crossed the river.
6. Don't despise the old hoe before you've tried the new one.
7. Don't play with the dog's tail, and you won't get bit.
8. Even a bird with a long neck can't see the future; God alone sees it.
9. Even the brightest fire goes out by morning.
10. How will people gather for the dance if the drum is not heard?
11. Human blood is heavy; it weighs down those who shed it so they can't run.
12. Hunger brings the crocodile out of the water.
13. Hunger is hidden behind sacks of plenty.
14. "I never even liked fish." So said the crane after the fish got away.
15. I scratch with both feet, said the chicken; if I don't find anything with one foot, I will with the other.
16. If the calabash has broken, why cry?
17. If you are running on a rooftop, stop at the edge.
18. If you bring fire into your hut, don't complain about the smoke.
19. If you're going to sweep, you can't sit on the broom.
20. In the dregs of the drinking cup there is blood.
21. It rained on the mountain, but the valley was flooded.
22. Leopards and goats do not associate.
23. Lions growl over their food.
24. Many drops will fill the pot.
25. New waters drive the old waters before them.
26. One person cannot paddle two canoes.
27. Remind the king of his sandals, and he'll send you to get them.
28. Someone drunk with wine gets sober; someone drunk with wealth does not.
29. The baboon climbs, but doesn't forget that he may fall.
30. The fish envy the crab's claws.
31. The lion who kills is the one who doesn't roar.
32. The needle's point must pass first.
33. The poor man's back benefits the rich man's stomach.
34. The turtle hides his head in his shell.
35. The world is always twisting and turning, like the horn of the kudu.
36. The young crocodile doesn't mind falling into the water.
37. There are many dawns.
38. Those whose meat is raw approach the fire.
39. Tomorrow will give birth to the day after tomorrow.
40. Two goats in the same stall will never agree.
41. Use your clay while it is wet.
42. Water never gets tired of flowing.
43. When peeling cassava, look out for your fingers!
44. When two elephants fight, the grass suffers.
45. Who will dance when the lion roars?
46. Wisdom is not in the eye, but in the head.
47. You can drown in a river that is only knee-deep.
48. You can't chase two birds at once.
49. You cannot play safely with a serpent.
50. You want eggs? Take good care of the hen.