Exciting Collection of African Proverbs and their Meanings

Discover 20 hilarious African proverbs. Take a moment to read exciting content with a blend of humour and wisdom. Delve into this realm of wisdom as we unravel the cultural significance behind 20 timeless African sayings, for a glimpse into the vibrant heart of African traditions.

1. A hand that gives is always at the top.

Generosity is a virtue that often gets overlooked today. People are so caught up in their own lives and problems that they forget the simple joy of giving. This proverb reminds us that a hand that gives will always be at the top. That is, a generous person will be always be successful and happy in life.

2. We don’t walk along without shaking the head.

This is a reminder of our human imperfection. No one is perfect, and we all make mistakes. Even the most respected and accomplished individuals have moments of doubt, uncertainty, and failure. It is natural to shake our heads in disbelief or confusion when faced with challenging situations or decisions.

3. The rat sitting on top of a precious clay pot cannot be killed.

This proverb tells of the importance of wisdom and humility. While it may seem easy to kill a rat sitting on top of a precious clay pot, the consequences of doing so could be devastating. In our own lives, we must be careful about the actions we take, and the potential consequences that may arise as a result.

4. Who would have thought that it will be water that will boil the fish.

This proverb can be interpreted as a reminder that unexpected events and circumstances can have a significant impact on our lives. It’s important to always be prepared for the unexpected and to not take things for granted. We should always be aware that even the things we depend on or are most comfortable with, can sometimes turn against us.

5. Changing the spoon cannot make the soup better.

This African proverb is often used to imply that sometimes, despite our efforts to change or improve a situation, it remains the same or even worsens. It is a reminder that we cannot always fix things by simply changing the tools or methods we use. Sometimes, the problem lies deeper and requires a fundamental change in approach or mindset.

6. It is only when the shoulders agree that the head can come in.

The proverb, “It is only when the shoulders agree that the head can come in,” carries an important message about the significance of unity and cooperation. It highlights the fact that we cannot achieve anything significant in life without the support and cooperation of others.

7. There are two main reason a dog walks after a lad with a swollen belly: it is either he is about to stool or vomit.

While this African proverb may seem a bit disgusting, it has a powerful message that can inspire us in many ways. One of the main lessons we can draw from this is the importance of being aware of the consequences of our actions. Every action we take has an impact on those around us, whether we realize it or not.

8. The fish can only be straightened when it is still wet.

This speaks on the importance of seizing the moment and taking action at the right time. Fishermen understand this all too well; when a fish is caught, it needs to be straightened while it is still wet. Once it dries up, it becomes stiff and hard to straighten.

9. If the world backs the cockroach, it will kill the hen.

The power of support and backing cannot be overemphasized. As humans, we all need someone or something to help us navigate through life’s challenges. Just like the cockroach that could never defeat the hen on its own, we need a strong support system to help us achieve our goals and overcome obstacles.

10. A child that will grow tall, his legs will be slim.

This proverb let us know that success and growth come at a cost. Just like a child who will eventually grow tall, achieving success requires sacrifice and hard work. There are many challenges and obstacles that one must overcome along the way in order to reach his or her goals.

11. It’s a little quantity of oil that mars the surface of water.

This African proverb reminds us that even the smallest actions we take can have a significant impact on our lives. Sometimes we may think that our actions are insignificant and will not make a difference, but this is not true. Just like a little quantity of oil can mar the surface of water, a small mistake or indiscretion can ruin a good reputation. We should not underestimate the importance of our actions, no matter how small they may seem.

12. “I am hungry” is not to be expressed by whistling.

This African proverb talks about the importance of being straightforward in communication, especially when it comes to expressing serious needs. It cautions against using indirect methods to communicate important messages.

13. The dirt around the compound is accumulated starting from the inside of the house.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our actions. It reminds us that our external environment is a reflection of our internal state. If we allow clutter and disorganization to accumulate within our own homes, it will eventually spill over into the surrounding environment.

14. There is sweetness in bitter-leaf, at the end.

This African proverb is a reminder that every difficult situation has the potential to yield positive outcomes. Bitter-leaf, a commonly used vegetable in African cuisine, is known for its bitter taste. However, after undergoing certain processes, it becomes an essential ingredient in several delicacies, and people enjoy its sweetness.

15. The goat that doesn’t want to get its beards wet will remain thirsty.

This proverb identifies the importance of humility. The goat that refuses to get its beard wet may be trying to protect its appearance or image, but in doing so, it denies itself the very thing it needs to survive: water. Similarly, when we allow pride to get in our way, we may miss out on opportunities or solutions that could benefit us.

16. A single individual don’t say, “We are here!”

This African proverb highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration. It is a reminder that we should not be selfish or individualistic in our approach to life, but rather work together with others to achieve common goals.

17. Whoever waters the ground, will be able to step on a wet ground.

This African proverb highlights the importance of putting in effort and hard work in achieve a goal. It’s not enough to just have a dream or desire for something; we must take action to make it happen. Whether it’s personal development, career advancement, or even just simple everyday tasks, hard work is relevant.

18. The lizard’s tail is not as big as the tail of a crocodile but merely looks alike.

Because you once had a challenging experience and tackled it using a specific tool, doesn’t mean that the same tool would be used in solving a similar problem. We can’t always approach challenges in the same way we did before, and we must opt for new situations to achieve success.

19. When a farm goes aflame, the flakes fly home to narrate the tale.

This proverb teaches on the importance of accountability and honesty. No matter how much you try to conceal a wrongdoing, the truth will eventually come out. It’s almost impossible to keep it a secret.

20. If trees fall in a pile, the top ones are removed first.

This African proverb emphasizes the importance of taking a logical and strategic approach when dealing with problems. When faced with a complex issue, it can be tempting to jump right in and try to tackle the most difficult parts first. This proverb reminds us that it is often more effective to start with the simpler aspects of the problem and work our way up to the more complex parts.

21. It is only a child that knows how to wash his hands clean will dine with the elders.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of good manners and proper etiquette in society. It suggests that those who are able to conduct themselves appropriately will be given the chance to associate with people of higher social status or those who are more accomplished in life.

22. The lamps are not valued in the afternoons.

This proverb speaks on the importance of time. It reminds us of the fact that timing is everything. In a typical African village, where there may not be access to electricity, a lamp is a vital tool for combatting darkness. Now, the value of a lamp decreases during the daytime, when it is not needed.

23. The wisdom required to acquire a house is nothing compared to what is required to live in it.

This African proverb emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term implications of our actions and decisions. It is easy to focus on the short-term gains, but true wisdom lies in understanding that there is more to the story beyond the acquisition. It is not enough to just acquire a house or any other material possession; one must also possess the wisdom and skills to maintain and manage it properly.

24. The farmer that planted a hundred yam seedlings and claimed he had planted two hundred will reap a hundred tubers and eat the remaining one hundred lies.

This proverb is a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. The farmer in the proverb made a false claim, hoping to impress others or gain some other benefit. Eventually, the truth will catches up with him, and had to suffer the consequences of his dishonesty.

25. Though their mortar disturbs every day doesn’t mean that they eat pounded yam every day.

This proverb reminds us that appearances can be deceiving, and that we should not make assumptions about people’s lives based on what we see on the surface. We may see someone who appears to be wealthy and assume that they live a life of luxury and abundance, but in reality, they may be struggling with their own problems and challenges.

26. Birds can’t fly with one wing.

Teamwork and collaboration are vital for success, as no man is an island. This proverb reminds us that we need others to achieve great things, and that we are stronger together than alone. Just as a bird needs both wings to fly, we need the support and contribution of others to achieve our goals and make a difference in the world.

27. The grains of corn in an enclosed bottle are viewed with disdain by the hen.

This proverb identifies the human tendency to overlook the value of things that are easily accessible to us. The hen in the proverb has access to an abundance of corn outside the bottle, and therefore sees the grains inside the bottle as insignificant. Humans often take for granted the things that are readily available to them, such as good health, loving relationships, and steady income. We tend to focus more on what we don’t have or can’t attain, rather than what we do have.

28. No matter how bright the sky, some dark clouds will exist.

This proverb is a reminder of the reality of life. No matter how good things may seem, there will always be challenges and obstacles to face. This is a call to be vigilant and prepared for whatever may come our way.