Home › Zulu proverbs › Caution & Warning
These Zulu (isiZulu) proverbs speak to warnings, prudence and the cost of ignoring good advice. Here are 4 of them, each with its literal translation and a clear explanation of its meaning, drawn from documented Zulu usage.
Isalakutshelwa sibona ngomopho
Literally: “The one who refuses to be told sees by the spurting blood”
Meaning: Someone who will not heed advice learns only through painful consequences.
Isihlahla asinyelwa
Literally: “One does not relieve oneself under a tree (one is sheltering under)”
Meaning: Do not spoil or harm the thing that benefits you; do not bite the hand that feeds you.
Umlomo awuboshwa
Literally: “The mouth is not tied/bound”
Meaning: People will talk and cannot be stopped from speaking; you cannot control what others say.
Hamba juba bayokuchutha phambili
Literally: “Go on, dove, they will pluck you ahead”
Meaning: Said to a stubborn person who ignores warnings: continue if you must, but trouble awaits you further on.