Archives: Tsumo

Definitions chivendekete: person who has lost some teeth Translation The one with a gap laughs at the one with a broken tooth. Application People often … Read more

Translation The crow laughs at the owl (the owl’s beak),  yet its beak is like a calabash. Application People often notice and criticise faults in … Read more

Definitions ruzambu: Heart-leaved vine. A climbing plant used in basketry nyemba: Cow peas. Certain species of cowpeas are climbers and trailers. Translation The heart-leaved vine … Read more

Definitions hwiza: grasshopper Translation Do not go after grasshoppers when hares might still show up. Application When faced with competing demands, one should consider where … Read more

Definitions chitundu: items packed together makakanje: crabs Translation Do not waste time fighting over a pack of crabs when there is one of fish available. … Read more

Definitions makunguo: crows tsvimbo: clubs Translation It is a waste to throw clubs at crows when (edible) birds may still show up. Application When faced with … Read more

Definitions nhema: black rhinoceros mapfumo: spears Translation Don’t waste spears on stabbing rhinos when elephants may still show up. Application When faced with competing demands, … Read more

Translation Do not see a dog baring its teeth and think it is smiling at you. Application Sometimes people appear friendly and welcoming on the … Read more

Translation Teeth are fools; they smile even at the one who ate (killed) the father. Application Sometimes people appear friendly and welcoming on the outside, … Read more

Translation A tooth is a fool; it smiles even at one who dislikes it. Application Sometimes people appear friendly and welcoming on the outside, yet … Read more