Kutamba nesanhu, kutemera nyoka ruzhowa.

Word definitions

sanhu: axe

ruzhowa: line of branches laid around an area as fencing

Translation

Chopping off branches for making a fence that will bar snakes is nothing more than playing with the axe.

Inspiration

Snakes can move by pushing themselves against any resistance they encounter, such as rocks, branches, twigs, dust, sand, or pebbles.

Application

A hopeless attempt isn’t worth one’s time.

Similar Proverbs

1. Kuvaraidza nguva, kuteya nzou neriva.